Bayern Munich is primed to finish the job against embattled Real Madrid in a bid to reach the Champions League semifinals on the way to a potential treble of trophies from an outstanding season.The Bavarian powerhouse holds a 2-1 lead over Madrid from the first leg of their quarterfinal last week, and coach Vincent Kompany had nearly a full squad at his disposal for Wednesdays second leg with no injuries after Bayern smashed the Bundesliga goals record with a 5-0 rout of St. Pauli last weekend.That victory put Bayern within touching distance of yet another league title the 13th in 14 years while it faces Bayer Leverkusen in the semifinals of the German Cup on April 22.Kompany was starting with the same team that defeated Madrid last week, with goalkeeper Manuel Neuer who had an outstanding game making his 137th Champions League appearance. Only Madrid great Iker Casillas played more with 149 appearances in the competition.Tom Bischof was the only absentee from Bayern's squad with a calf injury after the club said last week Lennart Karl was out with a hamstring injury.Madrid coach lvaro Arbeloa made four changes to the team that lost to Bayern last week, with Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde in midfield for Thiago Pitarch and the suspended Aurlien Tchouamni. Ferland Mendy replaces left-back lvaro Carreras and Brahim Daz lines up on the right where Valverde had been.Bayerns excellence this season contrasts sharply with Madrids troubles. The 15-time European champion faces the prospect of a second straight season without a trophy unless it beats Bayern away by two goals in what is sure to be a hostile environment in Munich.Madrid was held 1-1 at home by Girona last weekend, allowing Barcelona to open a nine-point lead in La Liga, after its third straight game without a win.Kylian Mbapp received a blow to his face at the end of that match but will be able to play as Madrid attempts a famed remontada (comeback) to salvage the tie and keep alive its hopes of a trophy in the competition that defines the club.We are the team that never gives up, Arbeloa said.___AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Carlos Alcaraz has been forced to pull out of the Barcelona Open after sustaining a right wrist injury during his opening-round triumph over Finnish qualifier Otto Virtanen on Tuesday.The 22-year-old Spanish star, who defeated Virtanen in straight sets despite experiencing discomfort throughout the match, underwent medical examinations that revealed the damage to be worse than anticipated.Alcaraz said: "I felt my wrist give out on a return during the match. "After the tests, we saw that it's a more serious injury than any of us expected, and I have to listen to my body so it doesn't affect me in the future."TRENDINGStoriesVideosYour SayThe Spaniard confirmed he would return home immediately to begin rehabilitation under the supervision of his medical staff, including doctors and physiotherapists.He said: "I have to go home to start my recovery as soon as possible with my team - the doctors, and the physical therapist - and get, or try to get, as healthy as possible as soon as possible for the tournaments I have coming up."Alcaraz's primary focus now turns to Roland Garros, where the 2026 French Open commences on May 18.The former world number one will be targeting an unprecedented third successive title at the Parisian clay-court major.Alcaraz had competed in Barcelona just two days after suffering defeat to Jannik Sinner in the Monte-Carlo Masters final, a result that saw the Italian reclaim the world number one ranking for the first time since November.Victory at the Catalan clay-court event would have enabled Alcaraz to regain top spot from his rival.The Spaniard claimed the Barcelona title in both 2022 and 2023 before finishing as runner-up last year.This marks the second occasion in three years that injury has compelled Alcaraz to withdraw from the tournament in the Catalan capital.LATEST SPORT NEWSAndy Murray makes feelings clear on Carlos Alcaraz after Jannik Sinner loss in Monte Carlo MastersJannik Sinner takes special title off Carlos Alcaraz after beating him to win Monte Carlo MastersSinner heaps pressure on Alcaraz ahead of Monte Carlo Masters final and first 2026 meetingThe Spanish star made history earlier this year by becoming the youngest man to complete a Career Grand Slam.In January, Alcaraz claimed his maiden Australian Open crown by defeating Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 in Melbourne, securing his place in tennis history as the youngest player ever to lift all four major trophies.He maintained his momentum at the Qatar Open in Doha, where he dispatched Arthur Fils 6-2, 6-1 to capture the ATP 500 title.His run at the Monte-Carlo Masters ended in disappointment, however, as Jannik Sinner claimed victory in the final, a result that saw the Italian reclaim the world number one position.Alcaraz's immediate priority is returning to full fitness ahead of the clay-court swing's most prestigious events.The world number two is targeting appearances at both the Madrid and Rome Masters tournaments as he builds towards his French Open title defence.Despite the injury setback, his season statistics remain impressive, with a 21-3 win-loss record, two titles, and prize money exceeding $4.3million.The Spaniard will be hoping his recovery progresses smoothly, with Roland-Garros representing the culmination of the European clay season and a tournament where he has previously demonstrated his finest form.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter

BBC Security Correspondent Frank Gardner explains how the world's second-largest economy fits into the Gulf conflict.

Montreal - The Montreal Alouettes announced Wednesday that they have signed American offensive tackle Cannon Panfiloff to a two-year contract (2026, 2... - CFL Montreal Alouettes

WICHITA, Kan. - The Wichita Wind Surge (6-5) took game two of a six-game series with a 5-3 win over the Springfield Cardinals (4-6) on Wednesday after... - TL Wichita Wind Surge

CHICAGO - The Chicago Sky have selected Tonie Morgan with the No. 32 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, the team announced today."Tonie is one o... - WNBA Chicago Sky

Le Real Madrid n'aura eu besoin que de 35 secondes pour refaire son retard face au Bayern Munich en quart de finale retour de Ligue des champions ce mercredi soir. Les Merengues ont bien t aids par une norme bourde de Manuel Neuer et le trs joli pied gauche d'Arda Gler.

Nick Daicos grew up immersed in football. Watching patterns. Absorbing movement. Imagining plays, consciously or not. That kind of football IQ isnt just learnt, its lived.

Chase is in talks with the International Olympic Committee to join the worldwide corporate partnership