It was a pleasure Former Real Madrid star sends personal message to Dean HuijsenEx-Real Madrid star David Alaba has taken to social media this week, to send a message of encouragement the way of Blancos starlet Dean Huijsen. This comes after the latter made the call to take over ownership of Alabas squad number for the seasons ahead.Huijsen is fresh off seeing his prominence in Spains capital reiterated on Monday. After a somewhat hit-and-miss debut campaign in the colours of Real Madrid, the 21-year-old was nevertheless handed an iconic jersey number.As confirmed by the player himself, Huijsen is Los Merengues new no.4.Drawn on his selection by the media on Monday evening, the former Juventus talent admitted that his inspiration was none other than Sergio Ramos.As alluded to above, though, a day on, Huijsen has received a personal message from the player to have donned the no.4 even more recently than Ramos.Taking to the comments section of his former teammates latest Instagram post, David Alaba fresh off a free agent departure from the Bernabu this summer wrote:It was a pleasure to share each day with you! Keep being you!Conor Laird GSFN

The Commanders announced the signing of defensive tackle Byron Cowart on Tuesday morning and they added another player to the defense in the afternoon. Linebacker Curtis Jacobs is the newest addition to the 90-man roster in Washington. The Commanders cut two players when they signed Cowart, so they did not need to make any more corresponding moves. Jacobs appeared in three games for the Titans last season and played 39 special teams snaps. He had four tackles in nine games for the Patriots in 2024. Jacobs's most recent playing time came with the UFL's DC Defenders. He had 42 tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack and a fumble recovery in 10 games.

The 2026-27 UEFA Champions League is on to the playoff round, the final stage of qualifying before the 36-team league phase begins in September.\nThe playoff round features seven two-legged ties, with the winners advancing to join 29 other clubs who qualified directly for the league phase. The matches will be played on Aug. 18-19 with the second legs scheduled for Aug. 25-26 across Europe.\nWhile the expanded format has taken some of the star power out of the playoff round in recent years, fans will be familiar with a handful of the participants including Scottish giant Celtic, Turkey's Fenerbahe and last year's darling Bod/Glimt from Norway.\nHere's what to know for the playoff round and Champions League at large:\nWhere to watch Champions League\nThe UEFA Champions League streams exclusively on Paramount+.\nWatch Champions League on Paramount+\nChampions League bracket: Playoff round\nWinners of two-legged ties advance to league phase\nLevski Sofia vs. AEK Athens Dinamo Zagreb vs. Viking FK Slovan Bratislava vs. Celje Sabah vs. Hapoel Be'er Sheva LASK vs. Celtic Fenerbahe vs. Lyon N.E.C. Nijmegen vs. Bod/Glimt \nWhat teams are in Champions League?\nTwenty-nine teams qualified directly for the UCL's primary league phase, which begins in September. These 29 will be joined by the seven playoff winners.\nArsenal AS Roma Aston Villa Atltico Madrid Bayern Munich Borussia Dortmund Club Brugge Como FC Barcelona FC Porto Feyenoord Galatasaray Inter Milan Liverpool LOSC Lille Manchester City Manchester United Napoli Paris Saint-Germain PSV Eindhoven RB Leipzig RC Lens Real Betis Real Madrid Shakhtar Donetsk Slavia Prague Sporting CP VfB Stuttgart Villarreal \nChampions League schedule 2026-2027\nPlayoff round: Aug. 18-19 / Aug. 25-26League phase: Sept. 8 - Jan. 27, 2027Each teams plays eight matchesKnockout playoffs: Feb. 16-17 / Feb. 23-24Round of 16: March 9-10 / March 16-17 Quarterfinals: April 6-7 / April 13-14 Semifinals: April 27-28 / May 4-5 Final: June 5, 2027 in Madrid\nWhen is the Champions League draw?\nThe draw for the league phase of the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League will be held on Aug. 27.\nThis article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When does UEFA Champions League start? Playoff round schedule and bracket

Florida wide receiver TJ Abrams met with reporters during the first full week of fall camp to discuss his development and the teams progress.Abrams reflected on the lessons he took from an increased role last season and why he chose to remain at Florida following the coaching change. He also discussed his offseason focus, the competition in a crowded wide receiver room and the intensity the Gators have brought into camp.The junior receiver also shared his thoughts on quarterbacks Aaron Philo and Tramell Jones Jr., his relationship with LJ McCray and the culture Jon Sumrall has established.Heres everything Abrams had to say.What was last year like for you individually, and what went into your decision to return to Florida?I mean, it was a lot to learn from playing behind some guys like J. Mike (J. Michael Sturdivant), Trey (Eugene Wilson III). There was like some great guys you want to play behind. Because my first year I played Chim(re Dike), so it was just a learning experience for me. I actually got to play a little bit more due to injuries. So just seeing how an actual game works instead of just watching it from the sideline taught me a lot.And being Florida, I just want to stay in Florida. Im from here, four hours away. And just the Gator name brings more than NIL can bring at the end of the day, like from school, too. Im a big guy on school. My mom, too. So a degree from Florida holds a lot of weight in my family. So that just kind of helped the decision to stay.Was there a low point from last season that sticks with you?Yeah, Id say like the Georgia game. I had a drop that, any drop during the game can change the tide of stuff. Miami, too, not getting that first down while we had a lot of momentum. Those plays kind of made me mature a little bit more. So Im kind of glad it happened, but mad at the same time.Have you moved past the drops, or do they still stick with you?Yeah, that was something I had to tackle a lot during the offseason. Some coaches be like, because I have huge hands, so its not really a skill problem. Its just more of a focus. So I just made sure I got that in check.Were you on the JUGS machine?A lot. I got one in my house now, so thats an everyday thing.What happened on the play against Miami when you ran short of the sticks, and what did you learn from it?Just a mental error. I know that was the correct depth for the play, but I had to pay attention to the sticks. I didnt get to the sticks.Whats the competition like in the wide receiver room?Electric, man. Its a lot of people that can play a lot of positions. So its going to be a fun team to watch on the offensive side, especially.What will the competition be like just to get targets?I dont know. We got a lot of people. Coach Buster (Faulkner) is very good at putting people in different positions. We got a lot of playmakers that can come in and do different stuff.What has Ben Hanks shown you?Yeah, Ben, you can tell this year is more personal than ever. Hes just been paying attention to his craft a lot more, just tackling it like a pro. Every time you see Ben, hes always doing extra stuff after workouts by himself or with a group of DBs.Did you have a relationship with Marcus Davis before he got to Florida, and whats it like being around him every day?No, sir. I did not have a relationship with him besides just the portal part of the stuff, or whatever you want to call it for the coaches. But when he came in, he just kind of talked to us and let us know that hes here for us. Hes not here just to chase a check. Like some coaches can come here and chase a check, but hes here to better us, put us in the NFL.Which receivers coach do you work with the most, and how has he helped your game?Well, I work with Coach (Trent) McKnight. I just feel like Coach McKnight just keeps it real with me. Even if Im messing up on plays, because its a new playbook, hes not going to sugarcoat just because of my skill. Hes going to let me know I need to improve on this, and I feel like thats helped me learn a lot more.What was it like getting your first start against Kentucky and making plays against Ole Miss?I mean, its been the game Ive been playing since I was five. So every time I step on the field, its just a blessing. So I dont really do too much, I just go out there and ball. Thats just how I go out there and do it.Did the way you finished last season show that you were trending upward?Yeah, I feel like its always room for improvement. I definitely liked the way I finished the season, but its always more to improve on.Whats the intensity like early in fall camp?Its crazy, man. The players want it more than the coaches want it. The coaches want to be the best we can, but you just feel it a lot with the players. They dont want to be 4-8 anymore, the guys that did end up staying.So thats kind of where we set the tone. We cant do 4-8 no more. Weve got to set Florida back on what it used to be.What makes you optimistic that this team wont be close to 4-8 again this season?Just the brotherhood that we have. Coach came in, it wasnt more of a, Oh, were going to win more games, going to win. Thats what everybody wants. But he just wants us to be more in tune to each other. A team thats player-led thats what he preaches the most a player-led team is always a better team. Instead of just having someone tell you what to do, its always going to be a player-led team.What was it like getting to know Aaron Philo this offseason and building chemistry with him?Yeah, when he first signed to Florida, I hit him up. Just let him know, like, Welcome to Florida. Excited to work. And since he came in here, thats all youve been seeing. Just work, work, work. Hes not no quiet guy. Hell let you know. Were always having fun. Its just a great vibe to be around.What is Aaron Philo like in the huddle and on the field?Yeah, real-life game manager. Hell sit down and let you know, if you have a problem. Youre not always going to hear the play all the time because its loud in the stadium. We have stadium noise in the practices and stuff.So if you need help, hes just going to let you know, like, This is practice. This is where you mess up at. But when you get to the game, youve got to tighten up.What have you seen from Tramell Jones Jr. after he was limited last year and showed more in the spring?Yeah, another guy. Him and (Aaron) Philo, theyve been working hard. Sometimes you dont even know whos throwing the ball to you. Theyre so good. Its one of the best QB battles that Ive been a part of.I was in high school, I had a QB battle, so Ive seen a lot. But this right here, the best QB battle ever.What stands out about Tramell Jones Jr.s game?Tramell, he just puts it on the money. As a QB, thats what you want. You want a guy thats going to put it on the money, and thats something he specializes in.How much different does LJ McCray look after coming in with you in the 2024 class?Yeah, we came in together. Some of the only 24 class thats still here. So watching (LJ) McCray grow kind of makes me proud, like a brother. Seeing him skyrocket into the man he is today, just seeing him work hard on the field. Sometimes Ill be on the sideline watching him play. Just makes you proud.How has your increased speed translated to the field?Yeah, Ive always been a speed guy, but with Coach (Rusty) Whitt, hes tackled just hamstring issues. So being able to keep that top speed and keep running at that speed, thats what Coach Whitt came in and helped. And I feel like thats been making me just better on the field, too.Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida WR TJ Abrams talks fall camp energy, lessons and QB battle

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' preseason opener against the New York Jets will be all about the next wave of defenders. Friday night provides rookies, young players, and depth pieces their first opportunity to make an impression in live game action. Several players who have stood out during training camp will now have to prove they can carry that success into a game.1. Can Rueben Bain Jr. continue creating pressure?Bain has already made his presence felt throughout training camp, including a would-be sack on the first day. The first-round pick won't have the luxury of simply relying on his athleticism in his preseason debut. Tampa Bay will want to see how quickly he diagnoses plays, handles blocks, and gets after the quarterback.2. Does Josiah Trotter Jr. keep making plays?Trotter has been one of the most impressive rookies on defense, recording back-to-back tackles for loss during the team's first padded practice, and has taken off ever since. His speed and downhill physicality have stood out, and the Jets game will provide his first opportunity to showcase those traits against another team. If Trotter continues playing fast, he could quickly strengthen his case for a significant role.3. Can David Walker turn camp production into game production?Walker has been one of Tampa Bay's biggest surprises after missing his entire rookie season with a torn ACL. He has consistently found ways into the backfield with 9 would-be sacks through 9 practices. Now the Buccaneers get to see how that explosiveness translates when the quarterback is actually trying to escape him.4. Which young cornerback steps forward?The cornerback competition remains wide open, and several young players have opportunities to make an impression. Ayden Garnes has already made himself noticed after grabbing an interception while receiving first-team reps with Benjamin Morrison sidelined. Keionte Scott also brings versatility to the secondary after making plays throughout camp. A strong performance from either player could go a long way toward earning more opportunities.5. Which depth players force their way into the rotation?Beyond the rookies, players such as Chris Braswell, J.J. Roberts, and other young defenders have an opportunity to show the coaching staff they deserve snaps. Todd Bowles will get an extended look at the players behind them. For those competing for roster spots, consistency may matter just as much as splash plays.This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: 5 keys for the Bucs' defense in preseason opener against Jets

Every position on an NFL roster is important in its own way. Each man does their job to the best of their ability to impact the game in their own way. Position groups that often get slept on or easily targeted for replacement are the special teams units. Having a great kicker and punter is very important, and while Minnesota has one half of this equation down with Will Reichard at kicker, could they also have the punter down as well?While speaking to the media, special teams coordinator Matt Daniels had nothing but glowing reviews about rookie undrafted free agent Brett Thorson:"When you talk about the leg strength, being able to control it is always going to be rule number one. The ball pops off his foot. You can hear what it sounds like. Got a very strong leg, but how good can we be about controlling it?" - Matt Daniels on @brett_thorsonpic.twitter.com/vMbn9EdtTT Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 8, 2026"When you talk about the leg strength, being able to control it is always going to be rule number one. The ball pops off his foot. You can hear what it sounds like. Got a very strong leg, but how good can we be about controlling it?" There is something special about hearing the ball explode off a kicker's foot live. Thorson showcased his leg strength while at Georgia and has a real shot to win the starting job for Minnesota entering 2026. This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Vikings excited with the addition of a National Champion punter

Chelsea reject chance to sign Myles Lewis-SkellyChelsea have rejected the chance to sign Arsenals Myles Lewis-Skelly, who was offered to the West London club this summer, according to The Telegraph.The Blues are eyeing midfield reinforcements as they look to bolster their engine room, but it appears they arent interested in bringing Lewis-Skelly to Stamford Bridge.Chelsea could use an athletic, mobile defensive partner to Moises Caicedo in the double pivot following the departure of Andrey Santos.Dario Essugo is still getting up to speed after suffering numerous injury setbacks last term. Meanwhile, Romeo Lavia continues his battle to stay fit for a whole season.Chelsea signed Jordan Henderson, but he is advanced in age, while Valentin Barco might not have the physicality to operate in the centre of the park.With the Blues refusing to pursue Lewis-Skelly, it could mean they are ready to wait till next summer before getting a marquee addition for Xabi Alonso.If that is indeed the plan, Chelsea must make sure it also includes keeping the midfielders they already have, most importantly Enzo Fernandez.Manchester City are aggressively pursuing the Argentine, and allowing him to leave Stamford Bridge this summer would make little sense.Losing one of their most important players to a direct Premier League rival would create a far bigger problem than it solves.Fernandez has developed into a genuinely elite midfielder, capable of controlling games, progressing the ball and making decisive contributions in the final third.He is one of the best midfielders in world football, and Chelsea should be building their team around players of his calibre rather than allowing them to walk out the door.Hopefully, this rejection of the England international means the Blues are determined to keep their star midfielder and make him a central figure in the next phase of the project.

Five golds to be won on day two at Birmingham's Alexander Stadium - watch live on BBC One (UK only)LIVE: Greatt Britain's Romell Glave and Jeremiah Azu win gold and silver in men's 100m as Italy's Marcell Jacobs pulls up halfway throughNetherlands' Nadine Vesser wins women's 100m hurdles by 0.001 seconds, GB's Marcia Sey finishes eighthGreece's Miltiadis Tentoglou wins fourth men's long jump titleLocal favourite Matthew Hudson-Smith second in his 400m semi-final, but Charlie Dobson and Ben Jefferies go outGB's Hannah Nuttall fifth in women's 5,000m final won by Italy's Nadia Bettocletti Watch European Championships: GB's Glave wins 100m gold and Azu silver - reaction

  Movement is a major part of daily life. Walking through the home, preparing a meal, getting into a vehicle, shopping, exercising, and spending time with family all require a certain level of balance and coordination. When stability becomes difficult, these activities can feel less comfortable and may affect a person's willingness to stay active. For patients experiencing balance or...