Raducanu’s Miami Surge Highlights Need for Stability in Coaching Setup Emma Raducanu is showing flashes of the brilliance that saw her stun the tennis world in 2021. The British star, who famously won 10 consecutive matches in straight sets to claim the US Open title as a qualifier, had struggled to string together a similar winning run since. However, her recent performance at the Miami Open, where she reached the quarter-finals, signals an encouraging return to form. Although her run was halted by world number four Jessica Pegula, Raducanu’s progress in Miami has propelled her back into the WTA top 50 for the first time since September 2022. This resurgence comes despite an ever-changing coaching team and a turbulent start to the season—raising the question of what kind of stability and support she needs to sustain this level of performance. A Year of Challenges and Constant Change Raducanu’s journey this season has been anything but smooth. After making a promising start at the Australian Open with two impressive wins over higher-ranked opponents, she suffered a heavy defeat to world number one Iga Świątek in January. Soon after, her coach Nick Cavaday was forced to step down due to health issues, leaving her without a permanent coach. February brought further disruption. During her campaign in the Middle East, an unsettling incident saw a man who had been persistently following her around tournaments escorted out of her second-round match and later issued a restraining order. This period left Raducanu seemingly rudderless, but not entirely without support. A Revolving Door of Coaches One of the most notable aspects of Raducanu’s career has been the frequent changes in her coaching setup. Since December, she has been working consistently with her strength and conditioning coach Yutaka Nakamura, but her tennis coaching team has been far less stable. -Roman Kelecic, a coach from her teenage years, was brought in to assist in Abu Dhabi. - Jane O’Donoghue, a former LTA coach and long-time friend, supported her during tournaments in Doha and Dubai. - Tom Welsh, from Loughborough Academy, was briefly drafted in for Indian Wells. - Vladimir Platenik arrived in California for a trial period, but this arrangement was abruptly ended just before Raducanu’s Miami campaign. - In Miami, O’Donoghue returned, joined by coach and commentator Mark Petchey. This constant turnover of coaches has raised questions about the long-term vision for Raducanu’s development. While she has proven she can succeed amid change, sustaining elite-level consistency without a dedicated, long-term coaching structure is a major challenge. What’s Next for Raducanu? Raducanu’s success in Miami has rekindled hopes of a steady climb back up the rankings, but if she is to truly re-establish herself among the game’s elite, she may need to find a lasting coaching arrangement. Her performances showed greater tactical discipline, improved shot selection, and a renewed sense of freedom—indicating that she is learning to adapt and trust her instincts on court. However, without a settled coaching team, maintaining this upward trajectory may prove difficult. As she moves into the next phase of the season, the big question remains: Can Raducanu build on this momentum, or will the lack of stability in her camp continue to hold her back?

Rashford’s Revival: Swagger Returns as Villa Loan Reignites Form Marcus Rashford is back—and so is his swagger. The Aston Villa loanee ended a lengthy 120-day goal drought with a second-half brace against Preston North End on Sunday, helping Unai Emery’s side secure a 3-0 victory and book their place in the FA Cup semi-finals against Crystal Palace. More than just a return to the scoresheet, his performance was a clear indication that he is rediscovering his confidence and joy for the game. From Old Trafford Outcast to Villa Resurgence Rashford’s loan move to Aston Villa on February 3 came at a crucial crossroads in his career. Having been frozen out at Manchester United by newly appointed head coach Ruben Amorim, it was clear that he had a point to prove. The past 18 months at Old Trafford had seen him become a shadow of his former self—a passive figure struggling to make an impact in a team that no longer seemed built around his strengths. But those working closely with him at Villa have seen a change. While he may not yet be at the dazzling heights of his best form, there is a noticeable resurgence in his energy, sharpness, and determination. England manager Thomas Tuchel must have recognized this too, given how quickly he recalled Rashford to the national squad earlier this month. Still, the doubters remained. His first-half performance against Preston in the FA Cup quarter-final was met with skepticism, particularly on social media, where critics pounced after he failed to capitalize on early opportunities. Wasted free-kicks and missed chances fueled the conversation that Rashford’s best days might be behind him. Yet, for a striker, the ultimate measure of success is simple: scoring goals. And for Rashford, that had become an elusive feat. Before Sunday, his last goals had come in a brace for Manchester United against Everton on December 1—14 matches ago. Clinical Finishing and a Confidence Boost That all changed 13 minutes into the second half at Deepdale. When Lucas Digne set up an opening, Rashford’s instincts took over. With composure and precision, he picked his spot and found the bottom corner, ending his agonizing goal drought. Just five minutes later, he had the chance to double his tally. A VAR review confirmed Villa were awarded a penalty, and as Rashford stepped up, Preston goalkeeper David Cornell tried to play mind games, offering a few words of ‘advice’ as he walked past. But Rashford remained unfazed. His signature stuttering run-up was on full display, and with a cool finish, he slotted home his second of the night. “The swagger is back,” declared commentator Guy Mowbray on Match of the Day. “The confidence and the pose.” Speaking to BBC Sport after the match, Rashford admitted how much the goals meant to him: "It's a great feeling. It's always nice for a forward to get a goal, so hopefully it continues. I feel like I've been getting fitter and playing better football since I've been here. I missed a lot of football before joining up with them. My body feels good, and I'm enjoying my football for now." A Turning Point in Rashford’s Career? Rashford’s resurgence at Villa raises questions about his long-term future. While his form is improving, it remains unclear whether he will return to Manchester United and fight for a place under Amorim, or whether a permanent move elsewhere—possibly even to Villa—could be on the cards. For now, though, Rashford is focused on the present. His goals have helped Villa stay in the hunt for silverware, and if his confidence continues to build, he could play a key role in their FA Cup run and beyond. What happens next will depend on whether he can sustain this momentum—but one thing is certain: Marcus Rashford is enjoying his football again, and that alone is a victory.

Guardiola’s Burning Desire Fuels City’s FA Cup Fightback Pep Guardiola’s animated presence on the touchline at Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium encapsulated the frustrations of a season that has, by Manchester City’s high standards, fallen below expectations. But as the sun finally broke through the clouds, both literally and figuratively, City’s determined 2-1 victory in the FA Cup quarter-finals gave Guardiola a reason to celebrate—and a lifeline to salvage silverware. This campaign has seen the normally dominant City endure an uncharacteristic dip in form. After securing a historic fourth consecutive Premier League title last season, their performances this term have been inconsistent, leading to their struggles in both the league and the Champions League. For a manager accustomed to success, the thought of ending the season empty-handed—something Guardiola has not experienced since his first year at City in 2016-17—would be a bitter pill to swallow. The FA Cup remains his last chance at securing a trophy this season, and his relentless energy on the sidelines reflected just how much it meant to him. Guardiola’s Passion on Display Throughout the match, Guardiola’s body language told the story of a man desperate for victory. Every moment of frustration, every missed opportunity, and every defensive lapse was met with frantic gestures and intense instructions from the technical area. It was clear that despite his public claims that winning the FA Cup would not compensate for league and European disappointments, his desire for silverware still burned fiercely. City’s visit to Bournemouth earlier in the season had ended in a humbling defeat, with Guardiola accusing his players of arriving “in flip-flops.” This time, there was no room for complacency—it was strictly business. “In November, we came here for a holiday against a team that competes,” Guardiola admitted after the match. But on this occasion, the only thing resembling a holiday was the pleasant south-coast weather, as City battled through a storm of their own making. Tactical Tweaks and a Turning Point City found themselves trailing at half-time after Evanilson’s scrappy goal, and Guardiola knew changes were needed. His ability to remain analytical amid the chaos has always been a hallmark of his success, and once again, he delivered a tactical masterstroke. Recognizing the struggles of young central defender Abdukodir Khusanov, Guardiola made a decisive switch. He moved Josko Gvardiol into the center of defense and introduced 20-year-old Nico O’Reilly at left-back—a bold decision, considering O’Reilly’s natural position is as an attacking midfielder. The move paid immediate dividends. O’Reilly injected energy down the flank, delivering the assist for Erling Haaland’s equalizer—redemption for the Norwegian, who had earlier missed a penalty. Later, O’Reilly played in substitute Omar Marmoush, who slotted home the winner to complete City’s comeback and book their place in a record-breaking seventh consecutive FA Cup semi-final. A Last Shot at Glory While the FA Cup may not have been City’s primary target at the start of the season, it has now become a crucial opportunity to avoid an uncharacteristically barren year. Guardiola, who has built a reputation for demanding excellence, knows that even a single trophy can provide momentum and restore the winning mentality that has defined his tenure. His touchline theatrics at Bournemouth were more than just a display of passion—they were a statement. Guardiola remains as fiercely competitive as ever, and as City now prepare to face Nottingham Forest in the semi-finals, one thing is clear: he will fight until the very end to ensure this season does not end in disappointment.

Isco Suggests Crowdfunding to Extend Antony’s Loan at Betis Real Betis midfielder Isco has suggested that the club should crowdfund to extend Antony’s loan from Manchester United beyond this season. The Brazilian winger, who joined Betis on loan in January, has made an immediate impact, scoring four goals and providing four assists in 12 appearances across all competitions. His arrival has coincided with a strong run of form for the team, with Betis losing only two of those matches and winning six consecutive La Liga games, including a crucial derby victory over Sevilla. Speaking to DAZN, Isco praised Antony’s influence on the squad: “We have to crowdfund so he can stay at least another year. We've noticed a change since he arrived; he brings us a lot. I'm happy to have Antony here. He’s surprised us all with his humility and desire to help.” Manchester United sources indicate that Betis are covering at least 84% of Antony’s wages, which exceed £100,000 per week. Despite the financial burden, Betis have benefited significantly from the winger’s contributions as they push for European qualification. Currently sitting sixth in La Liga, Betis are competing for a Champions League spot, with the top four teams securing qualification. Antony, who moved to Manchester United from Ajax in 2022 for £81m—making him the club’s second-most expensive signing after Paul Pogba—struggled to replicate his Ajax form at Old Trafford. He managed just 12 goals in 96 appearances for United, with only one Premier League goal since April 2023. Before his loan move, he had featured in just 13 of United’s 33 matches this season. Betis’ financial constraints remain a challenge, with their record transfer still being the £22m spent on Brazilian winger Denilson in 1998. While keeping Antony beyond this season may be difficult, Isco’s call for crowdfunding highlights the squad’s appreciation for the winger’s impact and their desire to retain him.

The boxing community is mourning the tragic loss of former National and West African light-heavyweight champion, Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju, who passed away after collapsing during a fight in Ghana on Saturday. Olanrewaju was facing Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League at Bukom Boxing Arena when he suddenly lost consciousness. Reports suggest he was leading on points before the unfortunate incident occurred. A widely shared video on social media captures the shocking moment he collapsed in the ring, leaving fans and the boxing world in disbelief. Olanrewaju, a respected figure in Nigerian boxing, held both National and West African light-heavyweight titles during his career. His contributions to the sport have been widely acknowledged, with an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, fans, and sports officials who remember his dedication and lasting impact on boxing in Nigeria and West Africa.

Mikaela Mayer Retains WBO Welterweight Title with Unanimous Decision Victory Over Sandy Ryan In a highly anticipated rematch, American boxer Mikaela Mayer successfully defended her WBO welterweight title against British challenger Sandy Ryan, winning by a unanimous decision with scores of 97-93, 97-93, and 98-92. A Thrilling Encounter The 10-round bout, held at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas, was an entertaining and closely contested affair. Mayer, 34, dominated the middle rounds with her superior punch output, shot selection, and body work. However, Ryan, 31, staged a strong comeback in the later rounds, landing several hurtful punches and causing Mayer's face to bleed due to a clash of heads. Mayer's Victory and Call for Undisputed Fight Mayer, who extends her record to 21 wins from 23 bouts, was delighted with her victory and immediately called for an undisputed fight against Welsh boxer Lauren Price, who holds the WBA, WBC, and IBF welterweight titles. "Now it's time for me to move on and go for undisputed," Mayer stated in her post-fight interview. The Rivalry and Controversy The bout was a rematch of their September encounter, which Mayer won by points. However, the result was marred by controversy when Ryan was hit with a can of red paint before leaving for the venue in New York. The incident sparked a bitter feud between the two boxers, with Mayer accusing Ryan of "stealing" her coach. Ryan's Future Prospects Despite her second consecutive loss to Mayer, Ryan remains a formidable force in the welterweight division. Her past four fights have included a draw against Jessica McCaskill, a victory over Terri Harper, and two close encounters against Mayer. Ryan is expected to regroup with her team and explore future fight options. Potential Undisputed Fight Venue A potential undisputed fight between Mayer and Price could take place in either the United States or the United Kingdom, with Cardiff's Principality Stadium being a possible venue.

Nottingham Forest Reach First FA Cup Semi-Final in 32 Years Nottingham Forest has made a remarkable turnaround in just a year, transforming from a team struggling to avoid relegation to a top-three Premier League side and FA Cup semi-finalist. A Dramatic Penalty Shootout Win Forest defeated Brighton 3-2 in a penalty shootout after the match ended goalless, with goalkeeper Matz Sels making two crucial saves. This victory marks Forest's third consecutive penalty shootout win in the FA Cup this season, a first for any team. A Season of Revival Captain Ryan Yates, who scored the winning penalty, expressed his delight, saying, "It's been an incredible season... We have achieved nothing yet, but to send [our fans] to Wembley again - we know how special it was last time, getting promoted." Nuno's Tactical Decision Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo's decision to rest key attackers Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga raised eyebrows, but the move ultimately paid off. Hudson-Odoi came on as a substitute and scored Forest's second penalty. A Remarkable Turnaround Forest's resurgence is a testament to the team's hard work and determination. From facing relegation last season to competing for a Champions League spot and an FA Cup title, the Tricky Trees are on the rise. Up Next: Manchester United Forest will face Manchester United in the Premier League on Tuesday, looking to solidify their top-four position and strengthen their bid for Champions League football next season.

Real Madrid Edge Thrilling Encounter with Leganes 3-2, Mbappe Scores Twice In a nail-biting LaLiga match, defending champions Real Madrid came from behind to defeat relegation-threatened Leganes 3-2 at the Santiago Bernabeu on March 29, 2025. Kylian Mbappe's double helped Madrid pull level with Barcelona at the top of the league table. The match began with Madrid taking the lead through Mbappe's 32nd-minute penalty. However, Leganes equalized after the restart, with Oscar Rodríguez scoring from Diego Garcia's assist. Madrid regained the lead through Mbappe's second goal, but Leganes continued to push, making the match a thrilling encounter. In the end, Madrid's quality shone through, securing a hard-fought 3-2 victory. With this win, Real Madrid moved level with Barcelona at the top of the LaLiga table, while Atletico Madrid fell further behind in the title race.

Côte d'Ivoire Withdraws as U-20 AFCON 2025 Host, Leaving CAF in Crisis In an unexpected decision, Côte d'Ivoire has officially withdrawn from hosting the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), originally scheduled to take place from April 26 to May 18, 2025. The announcement, made late Tuesday, has left the Confederation of African Football (CAF) scrambling for a solution just months before the tournament's kickoff. The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) confirmed the withdrawal in a formal statement, citing a government decision to relinquish hosting duties. "The President of the Ivorian Football Federation and Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the U-20 AFCON, Yacine Idriss Diallo, confirms that the government has officially notified FIF of its decision to withdraw from hosting the tournament," the statement read. Following this directive, the FIF Executive Director promptly informed CAF Secretary General on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. The federation expressed gratitude to all stakeholders involved in the tournament’s planning and assured that CAF’s forthcoming decisions regarding the situation would be communicated in due course. This unexpected withdrawal comes after CAF had already conducted the tournament draw on February 13, 2025, at its headquarters in Cairo, Egypt. The draw had placed defending champions Morocco in Group B alongside Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa, with a total of 13 teams set to compete for continental glory and four coveted qualification spots for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile 2025. With Côte d'Ivoire stepping down as host, CAF now faces the urgent challenge of finding an alternative venue capable of hosting the prestigious youth tournament on short notice. The situation raises concerns about the event’s logistics, team preparations, and overall feasibility, placing African football’s governing body under immense pressure to ensure a smooth resolution.

UEFA Investigates Real Madrid Stars Over Controversial Atletico Madrid Celebrations UEFA has launched an official investigation into Real Madrid players Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., Antonio Rüdiger, and Dani Ceballos over allegations of "indecent conduct" during their celebrations following their Champions League Round of 16 victory against Atlético Madrid. The European football governing body confirmed in a statement that a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been assigned to examine the players’ actions in the aftermath of Real Madrid’s dramatic win. The investigation could lead to potential sanctions just days before Los Blancos' highly anticipated quarter-final first-leg clash against Arsenal on April 8. What Prompted UEFA's Investigation? According to reports from Spanish media, UEFA is scrutinizing the Madrid players for the nature of their celebrations, which some deemed inappropriate and provocative toward Atlético Madrid fans. A major incident under review involves Antonio Rüdiger, who was allegedly caught on camera making a throat-slitting gesture, a move often perceived as aggressive or threatening. The German defender, known for his intense playing style, appeared to direct the motion towards Atlético Madrid supporters after the match. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé, who is widely expected to join Real Madrid in the summer, has also come under UEFA’s radar. Videos circulating on social media appear to show the French forward making a suggestive hand gesture towards his groin, an action that could be interpreted as disrespectful. The exact consequences of these alleged incidents remain unclear, but UEFA has a history of imposing fines, suspensions, or warnings for unsportsmanlike behavior. If found guilty, the players could face disciplinary measures ahead of their crucial Champions League quarter-final encounter with Arsenal. Real Madrid has yet to comment on the ongoing investigation, but the situation adds an unexpected layer of controversy as the team prepares for a critical phase in their European campaign.