Arbeloa defends Mbappe’s effort despite Madrid’s Champions League exit to Bayern Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa mounted a strong defence of Kylian Mbappé, who was criticised for what some perceived as a lack of defensive effort in last week’s Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich.Arbeloa, who is under pressure with Real all but certain to finish the season without a trophy, said Mbappé had nothing to reproach himself for and added that, apart from scoring in both legs of the quarterfinal, he had “given his all in defence”.Real lost 4-3 in a thrilling second leg to Bayern, which progressed 6-4 on aggregate, with the Spanish side reduced to 10 men after Eduardo Camavinga was sent off in the 86th minute.Bayern scored twice after the dismissal, which triggered criticism of Mbappé.Arbeloa, however, dismissed those claims at his pre-match press conference on Monday ahead of Real’s home game against Alavés.ALSO READ: Konate close to new Liverpool deal, keen to stay amid Real Madrid links“I have nothing to reproach Kylian about,” Arbeloa said. “He was at the top of his game, he scored in both legs and was a constant threat to their defence.“He gave his all in defence, he worked really hard. I was thoroughly satisfied with his performance in that match,” added the 43-year-old.Mbappé, who has scored 40 goals in all competitions in his second season in Spain, will have to wait longer to fulfil what Arbeloa described as his “dream” of winning the Champions League.That ambition was one of the key reasons behind his move from Paris Saint-Germain, which went on to win the title last season.Arbeloa’s own future remains uncertain, with Barcelona leading Real by nine points in La Liga with seven matches remaining. The Spaniard, who replaced Xabi Alonso earlier this season, said his fate was not in his hands but insisted there was no need for a “huge revolution” at the club to bounce back next season.Published on Apr 20, 2026 #Arbeloa #defends #Mbappes #effort #Madrids #Champions #League #exit #Bayern

Arbeloa defends Mbappe’s effort despite Madrid’s Champions League exit to Bayern
Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa mounted a strong defence of Kylian Mbappé, who was criticised for what some perceived as a lack of defensive effort in last week’s Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich.
Arbeloa, who is under pressure with Real all but certain to finish the season without a trophy, said Mbappé had nothing to reproach himself for and added that, apart from scoring in both legs of the quarterfinal, he had “given his all in defence”.
Real lost 4-3 in a thrilling second leg to Bayern, which progressed 6-4 on aggregate, with the Spanish side reduced to 10 men after Eduardo Camavinga was sent off in the 86th minute.
Bayern scored twice after the dismissal, which triggered criticism of Mbappé.
Arbeloa, however, dismissed those claims at his pre-match press conference on Monday ahead of Real’s home game against Alavés.
ALSO READ: Konate close to new Liverpool deal, keen to stay amid Real Madrid links
“I have nothing to reproach Kylian about,” Arbeloa said. “He was at the top of his game, he scored in both legs and was a constant threat to their defence.
“He gave his all in defence, he worked really hard. I was thoroughly satisfied with his performance in that match,” added the 43-year-old.
Mbappé, who has scored 40 goals in all competitions in his second season in Spain, will have to wait longer to fulfil what Arbeloa described as his “dream” of winning the Champions League.
That ambition was one of the key reasons behind his move from Paris Saint-Germain, which went on to win the title last season.
Arbeloa’s own future remains uncertain, with Barcelona leading Real by nine points in La Liga with seven matches remaining. The Spaniard, who replaced Xabi Alonso earlier this season, said his fate was not in his hands but insisted there was no need for a “huge revolution” at the club to bounce back next season.
Published on Apr 20, 2026
#Arbeloa #defends #Mbappes #effort #Madrids #Champions #League #exit #Bayern

Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa mounted a strong defence of Kylian Mbappé, who was criticised for what some perceived as a lack of defensive effort in last week’s Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich.

Arbeloa, who is under pressure with Real all but certain to finish the season without a trophy, said Mbappé had nothing to reproach himself for and added that, apart from scoring in both legs of the quarterfinal, he had “given his all in defence”.

Real lost 4-3 in a thrilling second leg to Bayern, which progressed 6-4 on aggregate, with the Spanish side reduced to 10 men after Eduardo Camavinga was sent off in the 86th minute.

Bayern scored twice after the dismissal, which triggered criticism of Mbappé.

Arbeloa, however, dismissed those claims at his pre-match press conference on Monday ahead of Real’s home game against Alavés.

ALSO READ: Konate close to new Liverpool deal, keen to stay amid Real Madrid links

“I have nothing to reproach Kylian about,” Arbeloa said. “He was at the top of his game, he scored in both legs and was a constant threat to their defence.

“He gave his all in defence, he worked really hard. I was thoroughly satisfied with his performance in that match,” added the 43-year-old.

Mbappé, who has scored 40 goals in all competitions in his second season in Spain, will have to wait longer to fulfil what Arbeloa described as his “dream” of winning the Champions League.

That ambition was one of the key reasons behind his move from Paris Saint-Germain, which went on to win the title last season.

Arbeloa’s own future remains uncertain, with Barcelona leading Real by nine points in La Liga with seven matches remaining. The Spaniard, who replaced Xabi Alonso earlier this season, said his fate was not in his hands but insisted there was no need for a “huge revolution” at the club to bounce back next season.

Published on Apr 20, 2026

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#Arbeloa #defends #Mbappes #effort #Madrids #Champions #League #exit #Bayern

Tag alvaro arbeloa arbeloa defends mbappe arbeloa supports mbappe bayern munich beats madrid kylian mbappe kylian mbappe form kylian mbappe madrid la liga madrid ucl exit mbappe goals 2026 mbappe recent criticism real madrid 2026 season real madrid match today real madrid vs alaves

Hectic Hail Storm Wreaks Havoc in Nebraska (39 pics)

Three NFL Teams That Can’t Afford To Screw up 2026 NFL Draft | Deadspin.com <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-0 py-0 pb-4 undefined"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1776714846528" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1776714846528" alt="credits: Sue Ogrocki | source: AP" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">credits: Sue Ogrocki | source: AP  </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The NFL Draft is finally almost here.</p><p>Which for some general managers could end up being their kiss of death. Every year, teams use the NFL Draft to improve their rosters. Both Super Bowl teams, the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots, proved how important it is to build through the draft in order to rebuild quickly.</p><p>But other organizations aren’t as fortunate, selecting the wrong players in the improper slots and butchering the NFL’s biggest event each spring.</p><p>That generally results in GMs getting fired and franchises navigating into completely different directions. With that amount of pressure in mind, these teams can’t afford to mess up this year’s draft.</p><h2 id="new-york-jets" class=" uppercase break-words">New York Jets</h2><p>The Jets absolutely have to take a step in the right direction.</p><p>Aaron Glenn’s first year was a disaster that led to <a href="https://deadspin.com/why-the-new-york-jets-fire-sale-won-the-2025-nfl-trade-deadline/" target="_blank">the roster purge at the NFL trade deadline</a> which traded away Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner for three total first-round draft picks.</p><p>Unfortunately for the Jets, there’s no clean path for Gang Green to find a quarterback in this year’s class. They’ll be bad enough to draft one in 2027, but they absolutely need to draft difference makers in key defensive positions and find playmakers to support whoever suits up at quarterback.</p><h2 id="new-york-giants" class=" uppercase break-words">New York Giants</h2> </section><section id="2" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-0 py-0 pb-4 undefined"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1776714943294" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1776714943294" alt="Mar 30, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images" class="w-full"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Mar 30, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images  </span></div></section><br/><section id="section-3"> <p>Both New York teams!</p><p>All eyes will be <a href="https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/nfl/giants/2026/04/14/new-york-giants-2026-nfl-draft-joe-schoen-john-harbaugh/89603267007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=false&gca-epti=z114946p115550l004350c115550e1122xxv114946&gca-ft=202&gca-ds=sophi" target="_blank">on general manager Joe Schoen</a> for his first draft of the John Harbaugh era.</p><p>Harbaugh could’ve picked any NFL team and he picked the Giants. They already have some key pieces including Jaxson Dart, Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo. They also have two premium draft picks, No. 5 overall and No. 10 overall.</p><p>If Schoen somehow botches this situation, he’ll be gone, and Harbaugh will be hiring a replacement in just a few months.</p><h2 id="las-vegas-raiders" class=" uppercase break-words">Las Vegas Raiders</h2> </section> <section id="4" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-0 py-0 pb-4 undefined"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1776715041757" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1776715041757" alt="Dec 7, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) leaves the field following a game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images" class="w-full"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Dec 7, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) leaves the field following a game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images  </span></div></section><section id="section-5"> <p>What? Aren’t the Raiders supposed to be the Belle of the ball?</p><p>They’re getting their golden boy at quarterback, Fernando Mendoza. But now comes the hard part – trying to win with him right away.</p><p>The Raiders thought they were going to have two bonus first-round picks before <a href="https://deadspin.com/baltimore-ravens-should-be-shamed-for-backing-out-of-maxx-crosby-trade/" target="_blank">the Baltimore Ravens screwed them</a> out of the Maxx Crosby trade. With Mendoza and Crosby, they might as well try to replicate their AFC West rival Denver Broncos by competing right away. By Denver’s standards, it would be a tad disappointing if the Raiders can’t bounce back quickly. After all, the Broncos got off the mat in just two seasons after eating Russell Wilson’s outrageous cap hit.</p> </section></div> #NFL #Teams #Afford #Screw #NFL #Draft #Deadspin.com

Both France and Norway won their opening matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Those two teams can book a spot in the knockout rounds on Monday, but it is possible that the winner of Group I comes down to the heavyweight bout between those two side in the final match of group play.

Here are the scenarios in Group I ahead of the second set of matches in group play at the 2026 World Cup.

Update: With the win over Iraq, France has clinched a spot in the knockout round.

Update: With the win over Senegal, Norway has clinched a spot in the knockout round.

What are the Group I standings?

Here are the standings in Group I after the two matches scheduled for Monday, June 22.

Team	W	L	GF	GA	GD	Points
France	2	0	6	1	+5	6
Norway	2	0	7	3	+4	6
Senegal	0	2	3	6	-3	0
Iraq	0	1	1	7	-6	0

What are the next Group I matches?

Here is the schedule for the remaining matches in Group I play. All times listed are Eastern.

France 3, Iraq 1
Norway 3, Senegal 2

Norway vs. France, 3:00 p.m.
Senegal vs. Iraq, 3:00 p.m.

What are the Group I scenarios?

Here are the scenarios in Group I, ahead of the two matches set for June 22. Note, the winner of Group I likely comes down to the match between Norway and France on June 26.

France clinches a spot in the Round of 32 with a win over Iraq, provided Senegal does not beat Norway.

Norway clinches a spot in the Round of 32 with a win over Senegal, provided Iraq does not beat France.

Neither side can clinch the knockout round this week, nor can either side be eliminated. These two teams play each other in the final match of group play, and a win for either team would keep them in the running for a spot in the Round of 32 as a third-place team.

Now we get to the tiebreaker scenarios that come into play with Group I.

Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.

In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.

If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.

If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.

That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.

That leads us to why Norway nor France can clinch the group on Monday. With those two teams playing each other in the final set of matches, there is still a path for both teams to win the group. Let’s use this hypothetical: Norway beats Senegal, but Iraq shocks the world and beats France. In that scenario Norway would have six points, and both Iraq and France would have three. Iraq would own the tiebreaker over France due to the head-to-head win.

But then in the final set of matches, France beats Norway, and Senegal beats Iraq. France and Norway would each have six points, but France would win the group because of the head-to-head tiebreaker with Norway given the win over them.

That is why the winner of Group I very likely comes down to the final set of matches.

Also, at the moment Norway leads the group ahead of France, due to goal differential.

#World #Cup #Knockout #scenarios #France #Norway #Group">

World Cup 2026: Knockout round scenarios for France, Norway, and Group I Both France and Norway won their opening matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Those two teams can book a spot in the knockout rounds on Monday, but it is possible that the winner of Group I comes down to the heavyweight bout between those two side in the final match of group play.Here are the scenarios in Group I ahead of the second set of matches in group play at the 2026 World Cup.Update: With the win over Iraq, France has clinched a spot in the knockout round.Update: With the win over Senegal, Norway has clinched a spot in the knockout round.What are the Group I standings?Here are the standings in Group I after the two matches scheduled for Monday, June 22.TeamWDLGFGAGDPointsFrance20061+56Norway20073+46Senegal00236-30Iraq00117-60What are the next Group I matches?Here is the schedule for the remaining matches in Group I play. All times listed are Eastern.France 3, Iraq 1Norway 3, Senegal 2Norway vs. France, 3:00 p.m.Senegal vs. Iraq, 3:00 p.m.What are the Group I scenarios?Here are the scenarios in Group I, ahead of the two matches set for June 22. Note, the winner of Group I likely comes down to the match between Norway and France on June 26.France clinches a spot in the Round of 32 with a win over Iraq, provided Senegal does not beat Norway.Norway clinches a spot in the Round of 32 with a win over Senegal, provided Iraq does not beat France.Neither side can clinch the knockout round this week, nor can either side be eliminated. These two teams play each other in the final match of group play, and a win for either team would keep them in the running for a spot in the Round of 32 as a third-place team.Now we get to the tiebreaker scenarios that come into play with Group I.Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.That leads us to why Norway nor France can clinch the group on Monday. With those two teams playing each other in the final set of matches, there is still a path for both teams to win the group. Let’s use this hypothetical: Norway beats Senegal, but Iraq shocks the world and beats France. In that scenario Norway would have six points, and both Iraq and France would have three. Iraq would own the tiebreaker over France due to the head-to-head win.But then in the final set of matches, France beats Norway, and Senegal beats Iraq. France and Norway would each have six points, but France would win the group because of the head-to-head tiebreaker with Norway given the win over them.That is why the winner of Group I very likely comes down to the final set of matches.Also, at the moment Norway leads the group ahead of France, due to goal differential. #World #Cup #Knockout #scenarios #France #Norway #Group

mwasimuddin125 0

Both France and Norway won their opening matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Those two teams can book a spot in the knockout rounds on Monday, but it is possible that the winner of Group I comes down to the heavyweight bout between those two side in the final match of group play.
Here are the scenarios in Group I ahead of the second set of matches in group play at the 2026 World Cup.
Update: With the win over Iraq, France has clinched a spot in the knockout round.
Update: With the win over Senegal, Norway has clinched a spot in the knockout round.
What are the Group I standings?
Here are the standings in Group I after the two matches scheduled for Monday, June 22.
Team
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Points
France 2 0 0 6 1 +5 6
Norway 2 0 0 7 3 +4 6
Senegal 0 0 2 3 6 -3 0
Iraq 0 0 1 1 7 -6 0
What are the next Group I matches?
Here is the schedule for the remaining matches in Group I play. All times listed are Eastern.
France 3, Iraq 1
Norway 3, Senegal 2
Norway vs. France, 3:00 p.m.
Senegal vs. Iraq, 3:00 p.m.
What are the Group I scenarios?
Here are the scenarios in Group I, ahead of the two matches set for June 22. Note, the winner of Group I likely comes down to the match between Norway and France on June 26.
France clinches a spot in the Round of 32 with a win over Iraq, provided Senegal does not beat Norway.
Norway clinches a spot in the Round of 32 with a win over Senegal, provided Iraq does not beat France.
Neither side can clinch the knockout round this week, nor can either side be eliminated. These two teams play each other in the final match of group play, and a win for either team would keep them in the running for a spot in the Round of 32 as a third-place team.
Now we get to the tiebreaker scenarios that come into play with Group I.
Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.
In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.
If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.
If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.
That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.
That leads us to why Norway nor France can clinch the group on Monday. With those two teams playing each other in the final set of matches, there is still a path for both teams to win the group. Let’s use this hypothetical: Norway beats Senegal, but Iraq shocks the world and beats France. In that scenario Norway would have six points, and both Iraq and France would have three. Iraq would own the tiebreaker over France due to the head-to-head win.
But then in the final set of matches, France beats Norway, and Senegal beats Iraq. France and Norway would each have six points, but France would win the group because of the head-to-head tiebreaker with Norway given the win over them.
That is why the winner of Group I very likely comes down to the final set of matches.
Also, at the moment Norway leads the group ahead of France, due to goal differential.

#World #Cup #Knockout #scenarios #France #Norway #Group">World Cup 2026: Knockout round scenarios for France, Norway, and Group I