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Deadspin | Spurs C Victor Wembanyama (concussion) out for Game 3 vs. Portland Apr 21, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) looks to pass against Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday (5) during the first half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images Spurs star center Victor Wembanyama will miss Game 3 of San Antonio’s first-round playoff series against the host Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night as he remains in concussion protocol. Wembanyama sustained a concussion in the second quarter of Tuesday’s second game of the series. He did not return to the game, but traveled with the team to Portland and was labeled as questionable for Friday until just over an hour from the start of the game. “Victor is not playing tonight. Obviously there’s a lot that goes into that, but he’s doing well and progressing,” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said. Portland won Tuesday’s game 106-103 to level the series at one win apiece. Wembanyama, who became the NBA’s first unanimous Defensive Player of the Year this season and is one of three finalists for Most Valuable Player, averaged a career-best 25.0 points and 11.5 rebounds per game this season. He led the league with 3.1 blocks per game and broke Tim Duncan’s franchise record when he scored 35 points in his postseason debut in the Spurs’ 111-98 Game 1 win over the Trail Blazers. San Antonio was 50-14 in games Wembanyama played this regular season and was 12-6 without him. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Spurs #Victor #Wembanyama #concussion #Game #Portland

Deadspin | Spurs C Victor Wembanyama (concussion) out for Game 3 vs. Portland
Deadspin | Spurs C Victor Wembanyama (concussion) out for Game 3 vs. Portland Apr 21, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) looks to pass against Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday (5) during the first half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images Spurs star center Victor Wembanyama will miss Game 3 of San Antonio’s first-round playoff series against the host Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night as he remains in concussion protocol. Wembanyama sustained a concussion in the second quarter of Tuesday’s second game of the series. He did not return to the game, but traveled with the team to Portland and was labeled as questionable for Friday until just over an hour from the start of the game. “Victor is not playing tonight. Obviously there’s a lot that goes into that, but he’s doing well and progressing,” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said. Portland won Tuesday’s game 106-103 to level the series at one win apiece. Wembanyama, who became the NBA’s first unanimous Defensive Player of the Year this season and is one of three finalists for Most Valuable Player, averaged a career-best 25.0 points and 11.5 rebounds per game this season. He led the league with 3.1 blocks per game and broke Tim Duncan’s franchise record when he scored 35 points in his postseason debut in the Spurs’ 111-98 Game 1 win over the Trail Blazers. San Antonio was 50-14 in games Wembanyama played this regular season and was 12-6 without him. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Spurs #Victor #Wembanyama #concussion #Game #PortlandApr 21, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) looks to pass against Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday (5) during the first half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Spurs star center Victor Wembanyama will miss Game 3 of San Antonio’s first-round playoff series against the host Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night as he remains in concussion protocol.

Wembanyama sustained a concussion in the second quarter of Tuesday’s second game of the series. He did not return to the game, but traveled with the team to Portland and was labeled as questionable for Friday until just over an hour from the start of the game.

“Victor is not playing tonight. Obviously there’s a lot that goes into that, but he’s doing well and progressing,” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said.


Portland won Tuesday’s game 106-103 to level the series at one win apiece.

Wembanyama, who became the NBA’s first unanimous Defensive Player of the Year this season and is one of three finalists for Most Valuable Player, averaged a career-best 25.0 points and 11.5 rebounds per game this season.

He led the league with 3.1 blocks per game and broke Tim Duncan’s franchise record when he scored 35 points in his postseason debut in the Spurs’ 111-98 Game 1 win over the Trail Blazers.

San Antonio was 50-14 in games Wembanyama played this regular season and was 12-6 without him.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Spurs #Victor #Wembanyama #concussion #Game #Portland

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Apr 21, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) looks to pass against Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday (5) during the first half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Spurs star center Victor Wembanyama will miss Game 3 of San Antonio’s first-round playoff series against the host Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night as he remains in concussion protocol.

Wembanyama sustained a concussion in the second quarter of Tuesday’s second game of the series. He did not return to the game, but traveled with the team to Portland and was labeled as questionable for Friday until just over an hour from the start of the game.

“Victor is not playing tonight. Obviously there’s a lot that goes into that, but he’s doing well and progressing,” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said.

Portland won Tuesday’s game 106-103 to level the series at one win apiece.

Wembanyama, who became the NBA’s first unanimous Defensive Player of the Year this season and is one of three finalists for Most Valuable Player, averaged a career-best 25.0 points and 11.5 rebounds per game this season.

He led the league with 3.1 blocks per game and broke Tim Duncan’s franchise record when he scored 35 points in his postseason debut in the Spurs’ 111-98 Game 1 win over the Trail Blazers.

San Antonio was 50-14 in games Wembanyama played this regular season and was 12-6 without him.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Spurs #Victor #Wembanyama #concussion #Game #Portland

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Deadspin | Phillies snap 10-game skid with extra-inning defeat of Braves Apr 25, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Adolis Garcia (53) runs to third on an RBI triple against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Bryce Harper’s bases-loaded single in the 10th inning drove in two runs and sparked the visiting Philadelphia Phillies to an 8-5 win over the Atlanta Braves on Saturday to end their 10-game losing streak. After Tyler Kinley (3-1) started the inning with a walk and left-hander Jose Suarez walked the first batter he faced, Harper, who was 2-for-3 with four RBIs, lined a sinker into left to drive in automatic runner Garrett Stubbs and Trea Turner. Brandon Marsh followed with a two-run single to widen the lead and help the Phillies win their first game since April 13. Brady Keller (1-0) retired all four batters he faced, and Kyle Backhus pitched the 10th, allowing one run on two hits. Philadelphia right-hander Zack Wheeler made his first appearance since August 15 of last year after missing time due to undergoing surgery to treat thoracic outlet syndrome. He pitched five innings and allowed two runs on three hits and three walks, striking out six. He left after throwing 84 pitches. Atlanta right-hander Bryce Elder pitched seven innings, matching his season high, and allowed three runs on six hits and one walk, striking out two. The Phillies scored a run in the first inning when Harper walked with two outs and scored when Adolis Garcia lined a ball to left field that Mike Yastrzemski missed on a dive for an RBI triple. Philadelphia scored another run in the fourth inning when Bryson Stott smacked a triple off the right-field brick wall to score Brandon Marsh. Atlanta tied the score at 2-2 in the bottom of the fourth. Michael Harris II hit a bases-loaded sacrifice fly and Austin Riley followed with an RBI double, knocking in the 500th run of his career. The Phillies regained the lead in the fifth. Rafael Marchan singled and came around to score on Harper’s infield single which snapped Philadelphia’s 0-for-18 drought with runners in scoring position against the Braves this season. The Braves took their first lead in the sixth, scoring twice against reliever Tanner Banks on an RBI double from Ozzie Albies and a run-scoring single from Harris. The Phillies evened the game 4-4 in the eighth against Dylan Lee. Kyle Schwarber tripled when center fielder Eli White slipped on the wet turf and allowed the ball to get past him. He scored on Harper’s sacrifice fly. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Phillies #snap #10game #skid #extrainning #defeat #BravesApr 25, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Adolis Garcia (53) runs to third on an RBI triple against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Bryce Harper’s bases-loaded single in the 10th inning drove in two runs and sparked the visiting Philadelphia Phillies to an 8-5 win over the Atlanta Braves on Saturday to end their 10-game losing streak.

After Tyler Kinley (3-1) started the inning with a walk and left-hander Jose Suarez walked the first batter he faced, Harper, who was 2-for-3 with four RBIs, lined a sinker into left to drive in automatic runner Garrett Stubbs and Trea Turner. Brandon Marsh followed with a two-run single to widen the lead and help the Phillies win their first game since April 13.

Brady Keller (1-0) retired all four batters he faced, and Kyle Backhus pitched the 10th, allowing one run on two hits.

Philadelphia right-hander Zack Wheeler made his first appearance since August 15 of last year after missing time due to undergoing surgery to treat thoracic outlet syndrome. He pitched five innings and allowed two runs on three hits and three walks, striking out six. He left after throwing 84 pitches.

Atlanta right-hander Bryce Elder pitched seven innings, matching his season high, and allowed three runs on six hits and one walk, striking out two.


The Phillies scored a run in the first inning when Harper walked with two outs and scored when Adolis Garcia lined a ball to left field that Mike Yastrzemski missed on a dive for an RBI triple.

Philadelphia scored another run in the fourth inning when Bryson Stott smacked a triple off the right-field brick wall to score Brandon Marsh.

Atlanta tied the score at 2-2 in the bottom of the fourth. Michael Harris II hit a bases-loaded sacrifice fly and Austin Riley followed with an RBI double, knocking in the 500th run of his career.

The Phillies regained the lead in the fifth. Rafael Marchan singled and came around to score on Harper’s infield single which snapped Philadelphia’s 0-for-18 drought with runners in scoring position against the Braves this season.

The Braves took their first lead in the sixth, scoring twice against reliever Tanner Banks on an RBI double from Ozzie Albies and a run-scoring single from Harris.

The Phillies evened the game 4-4 in the eighth against Dylan Lee. Kyle Schwarber tripled when center fielder Eli White slipped on the wet turf and allowed the ball to get past him. He scored on Harper’s sacrifice fly.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Phillies #snap #10game #skid #extrainning #defeat #Braves">Deadspin | Phillies snap 10-game skid with extra-inning defeat of Braves Apr 25, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Adolis Garcia (53) runs to third on an RBI triple against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Bryce Harper’s bases-loaded single in the 10th inning drove in two runs and sparked the visiting Philadelphia Phillies to an 8-5 win over the Atlanta Braves on Saturday to end their 10-game losing streak. After Tyler Kinley (3-1) started the inning with a walk and left-hander Jose Suarez walked the first batter he faced, Harper, who was 2-for-3 with four RBIs, lined a sinker into left to drive in automatic runner Garrett Stubbs and Trea Turner. Brandon Marsh followed with a two-run single to widen the lead and help the Phillies win their first game since April 13. Brady Keller (1-0) retired all four batters he faced, and Kyle Backhus pitched the 10th, allowing one run on two hits. Philadelphia right-hander Zack Wheeler made his first appearance since August 15 of last year after missing time due to undergoing surgery to treat thoracic outlet syndrome. He pitched five innings and allowed two runs on three hits and three walks, striking out six. He left after throwing 84 pitches. Atlanta right-hander Bryce Elder pitched seven innings, matching his season high, and allowed three runs on six hits and one walk, striking out two. The Phillies scored a run in the first inning when Harper walked with two outs and scored when Adolis Garcia lined a ball to left field that Mike Yastrzemski missed on a dive for an RBI triple. Philadelphia scored another run in the fourth inning when Bryson Stott smacked a triple off the right-field brick wall to score Brandon Marsh. Atlanta tied the score at 2-2 in the bottom of the fourth. Michael Harris II hit a bases-loaded sacrifice fly and Austin Riley followed with an RBI double, knocking in the 500th run of his career. The Phillies regained the lead in the fifth. Rafael Marchan singled and came around to score on Harper’s infield single which snapped Philadelphia’s 0-for-18 drought with runners in scoring position against the Braves this season. The Braves took their first lead in the sixth, scoring twice against reliever Tanner Banks on an RBI double from Ozzie Albies and a run-scoring single from Harris. The Phillies evened the game 4-4 in the eighth against Dylan Lee. Kyle Schwarber tripled when center fielder Eli White slipped on the wet turf and allowed the ball to get past him. He scored on Harper’s sacrifice fly. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Phillies #snap #10game #skid #extrainning #defeat #Braves

Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia successfully defended the AFC Champions League Elite crown after beating first-time finalist Machida Zelvia of Japan 1-0 on Saturday.

It took an extra-time goal from Saudi international striker Firas Al-Burikan to settle a bad-tempered final in front of 60,000 mainly Al-Ahli fans in Jeddah.

Al-Ahli played with 10 men for almost an hour but Machida was unable to make the advantage count.

ALSO READ | ISL 2025-26: Mumbai City, Bengaluru play out goalless draw

There were few scoring opportunities in the first half although Al-Ahli, owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, should have taken the lead when Brazilian winger Galeno broke free of the Machida defense only to see his low shot saved by goalkeeper Kosei Tani. Just before the break, Merih Demiral’s close-range effort was blocked on the line.

Al-Ahli was reduced to 10 men midway through the second half when Zakaria Hawsawi was sent off for headbutting Tete Yangi as the two came together in front of the referee.

The dismissal shifted the momentum. Machida forced Al-Ahli goalkeeper Edouard Mendy into several saves. Normal time ended with Al-Ahli substitute Mohammed Abdulrahman also shown a red card while on the sidelines.

The deadlock was broken in the sixth minute of extra time when former Barcelona and AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie laid the ball off for Al-Burikan to fire high into the net from close range.

Al-Ahli became the first team to win back-to-back Asian titles since city rival Al-Ittihad in 2005.

ALSO READ | One down four to go, says Rice, as Arsenal reignites title charge

The tetchy final reflected issues throughout the tournament.

All games from the quarterfinal stage onward were staged in Jeddah, and only 395 spectators attended Machida’s semifinal win over Shabab Al-Ahli of the United Arab Emirates.

The war in the Middle East postponed round-of-16 matches in West Asia from March to April and reduced them from two legs to one.

There were doubts over whether East Asia teams would travel to Saudi Arabia for the knockout rounds, but Machida, which has never won the J1 League, made club history.

LIST OF AFC ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WINNERS

2025-26 Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia)

2024-25 Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia)

2023-24 Al-Ain (United Arab Emirates)

2022 ‌Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)

2021 Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

2020 Ulsan ‌Hyundai (South Korea)

2019 Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

2018 ‌Kashima ⁠Antlers (Japan)

2017 Urawa Red ⁠Diamonds (Japan)

2016 Jeonbuk Motors (South Korea)

2015 Guangzhou Evergrande (China)

2014 Western Sydney Wanderers (Australia)

2013 Guangzhou ​Evergrande (China)

2012 Ulsan ‌Hyundai (South Korea)

2011 Al-Sadd (Qatar)

2010 Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (South Korea)

2009 Pohang Steelers (South Korea)

2008 Gamba Osaka (Japan)

2007 ‌Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)

2006 Jeonbuk ​Motors (South Korea)

2005 Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia)

2004 Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia)

2002-03 Al-Ain (UAE)

2001-02 ⁠Suwon Bluewings (South Korea)

2000-01 Suwon Bluewings (South Korea)

1999-2000 Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

1998-99 ‌Jubilo Iwata (Japan)

1997-98 Pohang Steelers (South Korea)

1996-97 Pohang Steelers (South Korea)

1995 Ilhwa Chunma (South Korea)

1994-95 Thai Farmers Bank (Thailand)

1993-94 Thai Farmers Bank (Thailand)

1992-93 PAS Tehran (Iran)

1991 ‌Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

1990-91 Esteghlal (Iran)

1989-90 Liaoning FC (China)

1988-89 ​Al-Sadd (Qatar)

1987 Yomiuri FC (Japan)

1986 Furukawa Electric (Japan)

1985-86 Daewoo Royals (South ⁠Korea)

1972-1984 COMPETITION NOT HELD

1971 ⁠Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel)

1970 Taj Tehran (Iran)

1969 Maccabi Tel ‌Aviv (Israel)

1968 COMPETITION NOT HELD

1967 Hapoel Tel Aviv (Israel)

Published on Apr 26, 2026

#AlAhli #beats #Machida #Zelvia #extra #time #retain #AFC #Champions #League #Elite #title">Al-Ahli beats Machida Zelvia in extra time to retain AFC Champions League Elite title Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia successfully defended the AFC Champions League Elite crown after beating first-time finalist Machida Zelvia of Japan 1-0 on Saturday.It took an extra-time goal from Saudi international striker Firas Al-Burikan to settle a bad-tempered final in front of 60,000 mainly Al-Ahli fans in Jeddah.Al-Ahli played with 10 men for almost an hour but Machida was unable to make the advantage count.ALSO READ | ISL 2025-26: Mumbai City, Bengaluru play out goalless drawThere were few scoring opportunities in the first half although Al-Ahli, owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, should have taken the lead when Brazilian winger Galeno broke free of the Machida defense only to see his low shot saved by goalkeeper Kosei Tani. Just before the break, Merih Demiral’s close-range effort was blocked on the line.Al-Ahli was reduced to 10 men midway through the second half when Zakaria Hawsawi was sent off for headbutting Tete Yangi as the two came together in front of the referee.The dismissal shifted the momentum. Machida forced Al-Ahli goalkeeper Edouard Mendy into several saves. Normal time ended with Al-Ahli substitute Mohammed Abdulrahman also shown a red card while on the sidelines.The deadlock was broken in the sixth minute of extra time when former Barcelona and AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie laid the ball off for Al-Burikan to fire high into the net from close range.Al-Ahli became the first team to win back-to-back Asian titles since city rival Al-Ittihad in 2005.ALSO READ | One down four to go, says Rice, as Arsenal reignites title chargeThe tetchy final reflected issues throughout the tournament.All games from the quarterfinal stage onward were staged in Jeddah, and only 395 spectators attended Machida’s semifinal win over Shabab Al-Ahli of the United Arab Emirates.The war in the Middle East postponed round-of-16 matches in West Asia from March to April and reduced them from two legs to one.There were doubts over whether East Asia teams would travel to Saudi Arabia for the knockout rounds, but Machida, which has never won the J1 League, made club history. LIST OF AFC ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WINNERS 2025-26 Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia) 2024-25 Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia) 2023-24 Al-Ain (United Arab Emirates) 2022 ‌Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan) 2021 Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia) 2020 Ulsan ‌Hyundai (South Korea) 2019 Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia) 2018 ‌Kashima ⁠Antlers (Japan) 2017 Urawa Red ⁠Diamonds (Japan) 2016 Jeonbuk Motors (South Korea) 2015 Guangzhou Evergrande (China) 2014 Western Sydney Wanderers (Australia) 2013 Guangzhou ​Evergrande (China) 2012 Ulsan ‌Hyundai (South Korea) 2011 Al-Sadd (Qatar) 2010 Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (South Korea) 2009 Pohang Steelers (South Korea) 2008 Gamba Osaka (Japan) 2007 ‌Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan) 2006 Jeonbuk ​Motors (South Korea) 2005 Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia) 2004 Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia) 2002-03 Al-Ain (UAE) 2001-02 ⁠Suwon Bluewings (South Korea) 2000-01 Suwon Bluewings (South Korea) 1999-2000 Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia) 1998-99 ‌Jubilo Iwata (Japan) 1997-98 Pohang Steelers (South Korea) 1996-97 Pohang Steelers (South Korea) 1995 Ilhwa Chunma (South Korea) 1994-95 Thai Farmers Bank (Thailand) 1993-94 Thai Farmers Bank (Thailand) 1992-93 PAS Tehran (Iran) 1991 ‌Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia) 1990-91 Esteghlal (Iran) 1989-90 Liaoning FC (China) 1988-89 ​Al-Sadd (Qatar) 1987 Yomiuri FC (Japan) 1986 Furukawa Electric (Japan) 1985-86 Daewoo Royals (South ⁠Korea) 1972-1984 COMPETITION NOT HELD 1971 ⁠Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel) 1970 Taj Tehran (Iran) 1969 Maccabi Tel ‌Aviv (Israel) 1968 COMPETITION NOT HELD 1967 Hapoel Tel Aviv (Israel) Published on Apr 26, 2026 #AlAhli #beats #Machida #Zelvia #extra #time #retain #AFC #Champions #League #Elite #title

ISL 2025-26: Mumbai City, Bengaluru play out goalless draw

There were few scoring opportunities in the first half although Al-Ahli, owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, should have taken the lead when Brazilian winger Galeno broke free of the Machida defense only to see his low shot saved by goalkeeper Kosei Tani. Just before the break, Merih Demiral’s close-range effort was blocked on the line.

Al-Ahli was reduced to 10 men midway through the second half when Zakaria Hawsawi was sent off for headbutting Tete Yangi as the two came together in front of the referee.

The dismissal shifted the momentum. Machida forced Al-Ahli goalkeeper Edouard Mendy into several saves. Normal time ended with Al-Ahli substitute Mohammed Abdulrahman also shown a red card while on the sidelines.

The deadlock was broken in the sixth minute of extra time when former Barcelona and AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie laid the ball off for Al-Burikan to fire high into the net from close range.

Al-Ahli became the first team to win back-to-back Asian titles since city rival Al-Ittihad in 2005.

ALSO READ | One down four to go, says Rice, as Arsenal reignites title charge

The tetchy final reflected issues throughout the tournament.

All games from the quarterfinal stage onward were staged in Jeddah, and only 395 spectators attended Machida’s semifinal win over Shabab Al-Ahli of the United Arab Emirates.

The war in the Middle East postponed round-of-16 matches in West Asia from March to April and reduced them from two legs to one.

There were doubts over whether East Asia teams would travel to Saudi Arabia for the knockout rounds, but Machida, which has never won the J1 League, made club history.

LIST OF AFC ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WINNERS

2025-26 Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia)

2024-25 Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia)

2023-24 Al-Ain (United Arab Emirates)

2022 ‌Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)

2021 Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

2020 Ulsan ‌Hyundai (South Korea)

2019 Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

2018 ‌Kashima ⁠Antlers (Japan)

2017 Urawa Red ⁠Diamonds (Japan)

2016 Jeonbuk Motors (South Korea)

2015 Guangzhou Evergrande (China)

2014 Western Sydney Wanderers (Australia)

2013 Guangzhou ​Evergrande (China)

2012 Ulsan ‌Hyundai (South Korea)

2011 Al-Sadd (Qatar)

2010 Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (South Korea)

2009 Pohang Steelers (South Korea)

2008 Gamba Osaka (Japan)

2007 ‌Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)

2006 Jeonbuk ​Motors (South Korea)

2005 Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia)

2004 Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia)

2002-03 Al-Ain (UAE)

2001-02 ⁠Suwon Bluewings (South Korea)

2000-01 Suwon Bluewings (South Korea)

1999-2000 Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

1998-99 ‌Jubilo Iwata (Japan)

1997-98 Pohang Steelers (South Korea)

1996-97 Pohang Steelers (South Korea)

1995 Ilhwa Chunma (South Korea)

1994-95 Thai Farmers Bank (Thailand)

1993-94 Thai Farmers Bank (Thailand)

1992-93 PAS Tehran (Iran)

1991 ‌Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

1990-91 Esteghlal (Iran)

1989-90 Liaoning FC (China)

1988-89 ​Al-Sadd (Qatar)

1987 Yomiuri FC (Japan)

1986 Furukawa Electric (Japan)

1985-86 Daewoo Royals (South ⁠Korea)

1972-1984 COMPETITION NOT HELD

1971 ⁠Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel)

1970 Taj Tehran (Iran)

1969 Maccabi Tel ‌Aviv (Israel)

1968 COMPETITION NOT HELD

1967 Hapoel Tel Aviv (Israel)

Published on Apr 26, 2026

#AlAhli #beats #Machida #Zelvia #extra #time #retain #AFC #Champions #League #Elite #title">Al-Ahli beats Machida Zelvia in extra time to retain AFC Champions League Elite title

Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia successfully defended the AFC Champions League Elite crown after beating first-time finalist Machida Zelvia of Japan 1-0 on Saturday.

It took an extra-time goal from Saudi international striker Firas Al-Burikan to settle a bad-tempered final in front of 60,000 mainly Al-Ahli fans in Jeddah.

Al-Ahli played with 10 men for almost an hour but Machida was unable to make the advantage count.

ALSO READ | ISL 2025-26: Mumbai City, Bengaluru play out goalless draw

There were few scoring opportunities in the first half although Al-Ahli, owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, should have taken the lead when Brazilian winger Galeno broke free of the Machida defense only to see his low shot saved by goalkeeper Kosei Tani. Just before the break, Merih Demiral’s close-range effort was blocked on the line.

Al-Ahli was reduced to 10 men midway through the second half when Zakaria Hawsawi was sent off for headbutting Tete Yangi as the two came together in front of the referee.

The dismissal shifted the momentum. Machida forced Al-Ahli goalkeeper Edouard Mendy into several saves. Normal time ended with Al-Ahli substitute Mohammed Abdulrahman also shown a red card while on the sidelines.

The deadlock was broken in the sixth minute of extra time when former Barcelona and AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie laid the ball off for Al-Burikan to fire high into the net from close range.

Al-Ahli became the first team to win back-to-back Asian titles since city rival Al-Ittihad in 2005.

ALSO READ | One down four to go, says Rice, as Arsenal reignites title charge

The tetchy final reflected issues throughout the tournament.

All games from the quarterfinal stage onward were staged in Jeddah, and only 395 spectators attended Machida’s semifinal win over Shabab Al-Ahli of the United Arab Emirates.

The war in the Middle East postponed round-of-16 matches in West Asia from March to April and reduced them from two legs to one.

There were doubts over whether East Asia teams would travel to Saudi Arabia for the knockout rounds, but Machida, which has never won the J1 League, made club history.

LIST OF AFC ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WINNERS

2025-26 Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia)

2024-25 Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia)

2023-24 Al-Ain (United Arab Emirates)

2022 ‌Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)

2021 Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

2020 Ulsan ‌Hyundai (South Korea)

2019 Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

2018 ‌Kashima ⁠Antlers (Japan)

2017 Urawa Red ⁠Diamonds (Japan)

2016 Jeonbuk Motors (South Korea)

2015 Guangzhou Evergrande (China)

2014 Western Sydney Wanderers (Australia)

2013 Guangzhou ​Evergrande (China)

2012 Ulsan ‌Hyundai (South Korea)

2011 Al-Sadd (Qatar)

2010 Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (South Korea)

2009 Pohang Steelers (South Korea)

2008 Gamba Osaka (Japan)

2007 ‌Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)

2006 Jeonbuk ​Motors (South Korea)

2005 Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia)

2004 Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia)

2002-03 Al-Ain (UAE)

2001-02 ⁠Suwon Bluewings (South Korea)

2000-01 Suwon Bluewings (South Korea)

1999-2000 Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

1998-99 ‌Jubilo Iwata (Japan)

1997-98 Pohang Steelers (South Korea)

1996-97 Pohang Steelers (South Korea)

1995 Ilhwa Chunma (South Korea)

1994-95 Thai Farmers Bank (Thailand)

1993-94 Thai Farmers Bank (Thailand)

1992-93 PAS Tehran (Iran)

1991 ‌Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

1990-91 Esteghlal (Iran)

1989-90 Liaoning FC (China)

1988-89 ​Al-Sadd (Qatar)

1987 Yomiuri FC (Japan)

1986 Furukawa Electric (Japan)

1985-86 Daewoo Royals (South ⁠Korea)

1972-1984 COMPETITION NOT HELD

1971 ⁠Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel)

1970 Taj Tehran (Iran)

1969 Maccabi Tel ‌Aviv (Israel)

1968 COMPETITION NOT HELD

1967 Hapoel Tel Aviv (Israel)

Published on Apr 26, 2026

#AlAhli #beats #Machida #Zelvia #extra #time #retain #AFC #Champions #League #Elite #title
Deadspin | Timbers focused on present, not past disappointment vs. San Diego Apr 18, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Portland Timbers forward Kristoffer Velde (99) controls the ball as Minnesota United FC defender Morris Duggan (23) defends during the second half at Allianz Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images The Portland Timbers will try to avoid focusing on vengeance for last season’s playoff exit on Saturday night when they visit a San Diego FC squad enduring the roughest stretch of the club’s two-year existence. The Timbers (2-5-1, 7 points) were one of eight clubs that didn’t play on Wednesday. That gave manager Phil Neville’s side a week to prepare for a San Diego side that eliminated Portland from the playoffs last season in a tightly contested first-round series. But with Portland currently five points beneath the playoff line in the Western Conference, he hopes his squad can leave the emotion of that defeat behind. “I don’t do revenge,” Neville said. “I think that’s very short-sighted. I think if you get clouded with that kind of emotion, you don’t have clarity of mind. … I think I see it as an opportunity rather than revenge, and I’m sure they do as well.” Kristoffer Velde leads the Timbers with three goals, including the first in the Timbers’ 2-1 victory over LAFC two weekends ago. Eight other players have each scored once for a side that has lost its first four away fixtures, including 2-0 at Minnesota last weekend. San Diego (3-4-2, 11 points) enters having lost four straight in the league, one game more than its longest losing stretch in the club’s inaugural 2025 season. Amid that dynamic, SDFC manager Mikey Varas agrees there won’t be much carryover from last postseason. “Every season, the teams are a little bit different, so it’s all a fresh start,” Varas said. “The team is really hungry to continue making steps forward and get back to our best.” Three of those four defeats have come on the road, with San Diego failing to score in two of those away fixtures. San Diego has also seen a player sent off in four of its last five matches. Striker Amahl Pellegrino was dismissed in the 79th minute of Wednesday’s 1-0 loss at the Houston Dynamo and will serve his one-match suspension Saturday. Marcus Ingvartsen leads San Diego with five league goals and Anders Dreyer has four. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Timbers #focused #present #disappointment #San #DiegoApr 18, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Portland Timbers forward Kristoffer Velde (99) controls the ball as Minnesota United FC defender Morris Duggan (23) defends during the second half at Allianz Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

The Portland Timbers will try to avoid focusing on vengeance for last season’s playoff exit on Saturday night when they visit a San Diego FC squad enduring the roughest stretch of the club’s two-year existence.

The Timbers (2-5-1, 7 points) were one of eight clubs that didn’t play on Wednesday.

That gave manager Phil Neville’s side a week to prepare for a San Diego side that eliminated Portland from the playoffs last season in a tightly contested first-round series.

But with Portland currently five points beneath the playoff line in the Western Conference, he hopes his squad can leave the emotion of that defeat behind.

“I don’t do revenge,” Neville said. “I think that’s very short-sighted. I think if you get clouded with that kind of emotion, you don’t have clarity of mind. … I think I see it as an opportunity rather than revenge, and I’m sure they do as well.”

Kristoffer Velde leads the Timbers with three goals, including the first in the Timbers’ 2-1 victory over LAFC two weekends ago.


Eight other players have each scored once for a side that has lost its first four away fixtures, including 2-0 at Minnesota last weekend.

San Diego (3-4-2, 11 points) enters having lost four straight in the league, one game more than its longest losing stretch in the club’s inaugural 2025 season.

Amid that dynamic, SDFC manager Mikey Varas agrees there won’t be much carryover from last postseason.

“Every season, the teams are a little bit different, so it’s all a fresh start,” Varas said. “The team is really hungry to continue making steps forward and get back to our best.”

Three of those four defeats have come on the road, with San Diego failing to score in two of those away fixtures.

San Diego has also seen a player sent off in four of its last five matches. Striker Amahl Pellegrino was dismissed in the 79th minute of Wednesday’s 1-0 loss at the Houston Dynamo and will serve his one-match suspension Saturday.

Marcus Ingvartsen leads San Diego with five league goals and Anders Dreyer has four.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Timbers #focused #present #disappointment #San #Diego">Deadspin | Timbers focused on present, not past disappointment vs. San Diego Apr 18, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Portland Timbers forward Kristoffer Velde (99) controls the ball as Minnesota United FC defender Morris Duggan (23) defends during the second half at Allianz Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images The Portland Timbers will try to avoid focusing on vengeance for last season’s playoff exit on Saturday night when they visit a San Diego FC squad enduring the roughest stretch of the club’s two-year existence. The Timbers (2-5-1, 7 points) were one of eight clubs that didn’t play on Wednesday. That gave manager Phil Neville’s side a week to prepare for a San Diego side that eliminated Portland from the playoffs last season in a tightly contested first-round series. But with Portland currently five points beneath the playoff line in the Western Conference, he hopes his squad can leave the emotion of that defeat behind. “I don’t do revenge,” Neville said. “I think that’s very short-sighted. I think if you get clouded with that kind of emotion, you don’t have clarity of mind. … I think I see it as an opportunity rather than revenge, and I’m sure they do as well.” Kristoffer Velde leads the Timbers with three goals, including the first in the Timbers’ 2-1 victory over LAFC two weekends ago. Eight other players have each scored once for a side that has lost its first four away fixtures, including 2-0 at Minnesota last weekend. San Diego (3-4-2, 11 points) enters having lost four straight in the league, one game more than its longest losing stretch in the club’s inaugural 2025 season. Amid that dynamic, SDFC manager Mikey Varas agrees there won’t be much carryover from last postseason. “Every season, the teams are a little bit different, so it’s all a fresh start,” Varas said. “The team is really hungry to continue making steps forward and get back to our best.” Three of those four defeats have come on the road, with San Diego failing to score in two of those away fixtures. San Diego has also seen a player sent off in four of its last five matches. Striker Amahl Pellegrino was dismissed in the 79th minute of Wednesday’s 1-0 loss at the Houston Dynamo and will serve his one-match suspension Saturday. Marcus Ingvartsen leads San Diego with five league goals and Anders Dreyer has four. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Timbers #focused #present #disappointment #San #Diego

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