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Deadspin | Photos from ’20 show Mike Vrabel, Dianna Russini kissing Mar 30, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Newly surfaced photos appear to show Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini kissing in a New York City bar back in 2020. The New York Post’s Page Six published the photos Thursday, one day after the New England Patriots head coach announced that he will miss Day 3 of the NFL draft on Saturday to attend counseling. The scandal began on April 7 when the Post published photos of Vrabel and Russini, then an NFL reporter for The Athletic, holding hands and hugging at a luxury resort in Sedona, Ariz. The pictures published Thursday were supposedly taken at the Tribeca Tavern in the early hours of March 11, 2020 and appear to show the pair sitting close together at the bar and sharing a kiss. “They were kissing and they were all over each other. He had a ring on,” an eyewitness told Page Six. At the time of the photos on March 11, 2020 — remembered as the day COVID-19 was officially declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization — Vrabel was coaching the Tennessee Titans and already married to his current wife, while Russini was engaged to her current husband. Vrabel, 50, gave a statement to the Post for Thursday’s story. “As I said the other day, I promised my family, this organization and this team that I was going to give them the best version of me that I can possibly give them,” he said. “In order to do so, I have committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend. This is something that I have given a lot of thought to and is something I would advise a player to do if I was counseling them. “I have always wanted to lead by example and I believe this is what I have to do to be the best husband, father and coach that I possibly can be,” Vrabel continued. “This is not an easy thing for me to admit, but it is one that I know will make me a better person. I appreciate the support that everyone has given me and promise a stronger resolve as a result.” Vrabel will be with the Patriots on Thursday night when they make their first selection in the 2026 NFL Draft at No. 31 overall, and also when they choose players late in the second and third rounds on Friday. He will be absent for the last four rounds on Saturday. “The New England Patriots fully support Mike Vrabel’s decision to prioritize his family first, as well as his own well-being,” the Patriots said in a statement on Thursday. “Mike has been open with us about his commitment to being the best version of himself for his family, this team and our fans, and we respect the steps he is taking to follow through on that commitment. “We are confident in the leadership and communication Mike has established with our personnel staff throughout this pre-draft process. While he will not be present at the facility on Saturday, we know the draft evaluations are complete and (executive vice president of player personnel) Eliot Wolf and his personnel staff are prepared to execute our draft as planned this weekend.” Russini resigned from The Athletic last week amid an investigation by the New York Times-run organization into the nature of her relationship with Vrabel. When the Arizona photos initially came out, Vrabel said the pictures “show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable.” Vrabel became the head coach of the Patriots — one of the teams for which he played — ahead of the 2025 season and guided New England to Super Bowl LX. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the Patriots 29-13. Vrabel earned his second AP NFL Coach of the Year honor last season after winning the award in 2021 when he led the Titans. He was Tennessee’s head coach from 2018-23. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Photos #show #Mike #Vrabel #Dianna #Russini #kissing

Deadspin | Photos from ’20 show Mike Vrabel, Dianna Russini kissing
Deadspin | Photos from ’20 show Mike Vrabel, Dianna Russini kissing Mar 30, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Newly surfaced photos appear to show Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini kissing in a New York City bar back in 2020. The New York Post’s Page Six published the photos Thursday, one day after the New England Patriots head coach announced that he will miss Day 3 of the NFL draft on Saturday to attend counseling. The scandal began on April 7 when the Post published photos of Vrabel and Russini, then an NFL reporter for The Athletic, holding hands and hugging at a luxury resort in Sedona, Ariz. The pictures published Thursday were supposedly taken at the Tribeca Tavern in the early hours of March 11, 2020 and appear to show the pair sitting close together at the bar and sharing a kiss. “They were kissing and they were all over each other. He had a ring on,” an eyewitness told Page Six. At the time of the photos on March 11, 2020 — remembered as the day COVID-19 was officially declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization — Vrabel was coaching the Tennessee Titans and already married to his current wife, while Russini was engaged to her current husband. Vrabel, 50, gave a statement to the Post for Thursday’s story. “As I said the other day, I promised my family, this organization and this team that I was going to give them the best version of me that I can possibly give them,” he said. “In order to do so, I have committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend. This is something that I have given a lot of thought to and is something I would advise a player to do if I was counseling them. “I have always wanted to lead by example and I believe this is what I have to do to be the best husband, father and coach that I possibly can be,” Vrabel continued. “This is not an easy thing for me to admit, but it is one that I know will make me a better person. I appreciate the support that everyone has given me and promise a stronger resolve as a result.” Vrabel will be with the Patriots on Thursday night when they make their first selection in the 2026 NFL Draft at No. 31 overall, and also when they choose players late in the second and third rounds on Friday. He will be absent for the last four rounds on Saturday. “The New England Patriots fully support Mike Vrabel’s decision to prioritize his family first, as well as his own well-being,” the Patriots said in a statement on Thursday. “Mike has been open with us about his commitment to being the best version of himself for his family, this team and our fans, and we respect the steps he is taking to follow through on that commitment. “We are confident in the leadership and communication Mike has established with our personnel staff throughout this pre-draft process. While he will not be present at the facility on Saturday, we know the draft evaluations are complete and (executive vice president of player personnel) Eliot Wolf and his personnel staff are prepared to execute our draft as planned this weekend.” Russini resigned from The Athletic last week amid an investigation by the New York Times-run organization into the nature of her relationship with Vrabel. When the Arizona photos initially came out, Vrabel said the pictures “show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable.” Vrabel became the head coach of the Patriots — one of the teams for which he played — ahead of the 2025 season and guided New England to Super Bowl LX. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the Patriots 29-13. Vrabel earned his second AP NFL Coach of the Year honor last season after winning the award in 2021 when he led the Titans. He was Tennessee’s head coach from 2018-23. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Photos #show #Mike #Vrabel #Dianna #Russini #kissingMar 30, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Newly surfaced photos appear to show Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini kissing in a New York City bar back in 2020.

The New York Post’s Page Six published the photos Thursday, one day after the New England Patriots head coach announced that he will miss Day 3 of the NFL draft on Saturday to attend counseling.

The scandal began on April 7 when the Post published photos of Vrabel and Russini, then an NFL reporter for The Athletic, holding hands and hugging at a luxury resort in Sedona, Ariz.

The pictures published Thursday were supposedly taken at the Tribeca Tavern in the early hours of March 11, 2020 and appear to show the pair sitting close together at the bar and sharing a kiss. “They were kissing and they were all over each other. He had a ring on,” an eyewitness told Page Six.

At the time of the photos on March 11, 2020 — remembered as the day COVID-19 was officially declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization — Vrabel was coaching the Tennessee Titans and already married to his current wife, while Russini was engaged to her current husband.

Vrabel, 50, gave a statement to the Post for Thursday’s story.

“As I said the other day, I promised my family, this organization and this team that I was going to give them the best version of me that I can possibly give them,” he said. “In order to do so, I have committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend. This is something that I have given a lot of thought to and is something I would advise a player to do if I was counseling them.


“I have always wanted to lead by example and I believe this is what I have to do to be the best husband, father and coach that I possibly can be,” Vrabel continued. “This is not an easy thing for me to admit, but it is one that I know will make me a better person. I appreciate the support that everyone has given me and promise a stronger resolve as a result.”

Vrabel will be with the Patriots on Thursday night when they make their first selection in the 2026 NFL Draft at No. 31 overall, and also when they choose players late in the second and third rounds on Friday. He will be absent for the last four rounds on Saturday.

“The New England Patriots fully support Mike Vrabel’s decision to prioritize his family first, as well as his own well-being,” the Patriots said in a statement on Thursday. “Mike has been open with us about his commitment to being the best version of himself for his family, this team and our fans, and we respect the steps he is taking to follow through on that commitment.

“We are confident in the leadership and communication Mike has established with our personnel staff throughout this pre-draft process. While he will not be present at the facility on Saturday, we know the draft evaluations are complete and (executive vice president of player personnel) Eliot Wolf and his personnel staff are prepared to execute our draft as planned this weekend.”

Russini resigned from The Athletic last week amid an investigation by the New York Times-run organization into the nature of her relationship with Vrabel.

When the Arizona photos initially came out, Vrabel said the pictures “show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable.”

Vrabel became the head coach of the Patriots — one of the teams for which he played — ahead of the 2025 season and guided New England to Super Bowl LX. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the Patriots 29-13.

Vrabel earned his second AP NFL Coach of the Year honor last season after winning the award in 2021 when he led the Titans. He was Tennessee’s head coach from 2018-23.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Photos #show #Mike #Vrabel #Dianna #Russini #kissing

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Mar 30, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Newly surfaced photos appear to show Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini kissing in a New York City bar back in 2020.

The New York Post’s Page Six published the photos Thursday, one day after the New England Patriots head coach announced that he will miss Day 3 of the NFL draft on Saturday to attend counseling.

The scandal began on April 7 when the Post published photos of Vrabel and Russini, then an NFL reporter for The Athletic, holding hands and hugging at a luxury resort in Sedona, Ariz.

The pictures published Thursday were supposedly taken at the Tribeca Tavern in the early hours of March 11, 2020 and appear to show the pair sitting close together at the bar and sharing a kiss. “They were kissing and they were all over each other. He had a ring on,” an eyewitness told Page Six.

At the time of the photos on March 11, 2020 — remembered as the day COVID-19 was officially declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization — Vrabel was coaching the Tennessee Titans and already married to his current wife, while Russini was engaged to her current husband.

Vrabel, 50, gave a statement to the Post for Thursday’s story.

“As I said the other day, I promised my family, this organization and this team that I was going to give them the best version of me that I can possibly give them,” he said. “In order to do so, I have committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend. This is something that I have given a lot of thought to and is something I would advise a player to do if I was counseling them.

“I have always wanted to lead by example and I believe this is what I have to do to be the best husband, father and coach that I possibly can be,” Vrabel continued. “This is not an easy thing for me to admit, but it is one that I know will make me a better person. I appreciate the support that everyone has given me and promise a stronger resolve as a result.”

Vrabel will be with the Patriots on Thursday night when they make their first selection in the 2026 NFL Draft at No. 31 overall, and also when they choose players late in the second and third rounds on Friday. He will be absent for the last four rounds on Saturday.

“The New England Patriots fully support Mike Vrabel’s decision to prioritize his family first, as well as his own well-being,” the Patriots said in a statement on Thursday. “Mike has been open with us about his commitment to being the best version of himself for his family, this team and our fans, and we respect the steps he is taking to follow through on that commitment.

“We are confident in the leadership and communication Mike has established with our personnel staff throughout this pre-draft process. While he will not be present at the facility on Saturday, we know the draft evaluations are complete and (executive vice president of player personnel) Eliot Wolf and his personnel staff are prepared to execute our draft as planned this weekend.”

Russini resigned from The Athletic last week amid an investigation by the New York Times-run organization into the nature of her relationship with Vrabel.

When the Arizona photos initially came out, Vrabel said the pictures “show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable.”

Vrabel became the head coach of the Patriots — one of the teams for which he played — ahead of the 2025 season and guided New England to Super Bowl LX. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the Patriots 29-13.

Vrabel earned his second AP NFL Coach of the Year honor last season after winning the award in 2021 when he led the Titans. He was Tennessee’s head coach from 2018-23.

–Field Level Media

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‘Women’s sports should be protected,’ two-time high jump world champion Blanka Vlasic on IOC’s gender policy <div id="content-body-70898568" itemprop="articleBody"><p>The International Olympic Committee’s new policy, which mandates that eligibility for any female category is limited to biological females, has sparked debate.</p><p>Eligibility for the female category for all disciplines of an IOC event, including the Olympic Games, will be determined by SRY gene screening.</p><p>Two-time high jump world championship gold medallist Blanka Vlasic sees the logic behind protecting women’s sport.</p><p>“In sport, there should be strict policies. Things should be clear. Everybody competing should compete under the same standards, and have the same conditions. Women’s sport should be protected in that way,” Blanka said here on Thursday.</p><p>A highly decorated athlete, Blanka is in the city as the international event ambassador of the TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2026.</p><p>Apart from the world championships, the Croatian has two world indoor championship golds, three world athletics final titles and two Olympic medals (2008 Beijing silver and 2016 Rio bronze) to her name.</p><p>Her personal best of 2.08m, set at the 2009 Zagreb Grand Prix, is third best in women’s high jump history.</p><p><b>ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/athletics/london-marathon-2027-two-day-race-event-hugh-brasher-ceo-approval-discussion/article70894050.ece" target="_blank">London Marathon in talks to stage 2027 race over two days</a></b></p><p>The 42-year-old takes pride in having a clean record, bereft of doping stains.</p><p>“I’m proud to have been part of the generation that jumped really, really high, and under the motto – ‘We jump clean’,” Blanka, who towers over the room at 6’4”, said.</p><p>To take unethical shortcuts to attain a one-off success never appealed to Blanka.</p><p>“If you achieve success with shortcuts, then your success will probably be just one spark. But in sports, do you remember someone who won just one time? Or do you remember a champion who was present for 10 years, with his or her ups and downs? I was consistent for so many years in a highly competitive sport – that was the goal,” she said.</p><p>“In track and field, it is very important to maintain your level for a long period of time. That is what is valued. Even if you are not Olympic gold medallist or world champion, if you are consistently in the top 10 in the world for more than 10 years, you could say that you had a great career,” Blanka said.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 23, 2026</p></div> #Womens #sports #protected #twotime #high #jump #world #champion #Blanka #Vlasic #IOCs #gender #policy

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Deadspin | Atlanta scores late to pull even in draw vs. Orlando May 16, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Atlanta United FC forward Emmanuel Latte Lath (9) moves up field in the second half against the Orlando City SC at Inter&Co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russell Lansford-Imagn Images Jay Fortune’s 86th-minute goal cancelled out Griffin Dorsey’s first-half opener as visiting Atlanta United played Orlando City to a 1-1 draw on Saturday night. Fortune’s goal, his second in as many matches, secured a point for Atlanta (3-8-2, 11 points) and snapped its two-match losing streak at home. With just minutes to go in normal time, Atlanta — who appeared destined for a second straight loss — pulled level. Matt Edwards used some brilliant footwork on the right side of the Orlando scoring area before passing it into the box to Fortune. Fortune’s first-time effort sailed over Orlando goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau to make it 1-1. Atlanta had a chance to take all three points from Orlando in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time, but Crepeau dove to parry away Matias Galarza’s attempt from just beyond the box. That provided some consolation for Orlando (4-8-2, 14 points), who opened the scoring in the 18th minute. Martin Ojeda’s pass between the legs of Atlanta centerback Enea Mihaj found Ivan Angulo charging into the scoring area. Despite Tomas Jacob’s attempts to defend, Angulo passed the ball in front of the goal to Dorsey, who tapped it in to give Orlando a 1-0 lead. It was Dorsey’s second goal of the season. Orlando City had several opportunities to extend its lead but failed to capitalize, ultimately settling for a point after conceding Fortune’s late goal. They were also forced to take Robin Jansson out at halftime after the Orlando centerback and captain appeared to suffer a knee injury. Angulo was credited with an assist on Dorsey’s goal, which was his team-high seventh of the season. Edwards’ assist on Fortune’s goal was his first of the year. Orlando and Atlanta will play each other again on Tuesday in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Atlanta #scores #late #pull #draw #OrlandoMay 16, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Atlanta United FC forward Emmanuel Latte Lath (9) moves up field in the second half against the Orlando City SC at Inter&Co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russell Lansford-Imagn Images

Jay Fortune’s 86th-minute goal cancelled out Griffin Dorsey’s first-half opener as visiting Atlanta United played Orlando City to a 1-1 draw on Saturday night.

Fortune’s goal, his second in as many matches, secured a point for Atlanta (3-8-2, 11 points) and snapped its two-match losing streak at home.

With just minutes to go in normal time, Atlanta — who appeared destined for a second straight loss — pulled level. Matt Edwards used some brilliant footwork on the right side of the Orlando scoring area before passing it into the box to Fortune. Fortune’s first-time effort sailed over Orlando goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau to make it 1-1.

Atlanta had a chance to take all three points from Orlando in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time, but Crepeau dove to parry away Matias Galarza’s attempt from just beyond the box.


That provided some consolation for Orlando (4-8-2, 14 points), who opened the scoring in the 18th minute.

Martin Ojeda’s pass between the legs of Atlanta centerback Enea Mihaj found Ivan Angulo charging into the scoring area. Despite Tomas Jacob’s attempts to defend, Angulo passed the ball in front of the goal to Dorsey, who tapped it in to give Orlando a 1-0 lead. It was Dorsey’s second goal of the season.

Orlando City had several opportunities to extend its lead but failed to capitalize, ultimately settling for a point after conceding Fortune’s late goal. They were also forced to take Robin Jansson out at halftime after the Orlando centerback and captain appeared to suffer a knee injury.

Angulo was credited with an assist on Dorsey’s goal, which was his team-high seventh of the season. Edwards’ assist on Fortune’s goal was his first of the year.

Orlando and Atlanta will play each other again on Tuesday in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Atlanta #scores #late #pull #draw #Orlando">Deadspin | Atlanta scores late to pull even in draw vs. Orlando May 16, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Atlanta United FC forward Emmanuel Latte Lath (9) moves up field in the second half against the Orlando City SC at Inter&Co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russell Lansford-Imagn Images Jay Fortune’s 86th-minute goal cancelled out Griffin Dorsey’s first-half opener as visiting Atlanta United played Orlando City to a 1-1 draw on Saturday night. Fortune’s goal, his second in as many matches, secured a point for Atlanta (3-8-2, 11 points) and snapped its two-match losing streak at home. With just minutes to go in normal time, Atlanta — who appeared destined for a second straight loss — pulled level. Matt Edwards used some brilliant footwork on the right side of the Orlando scoring area before passing it into the box to Fortune. Fortune’s first-time effort sailed over Orlando goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau to make it 1-1. Atlanta had a chance to take all three points from Orlando in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time, but Crepeau dove to parry away Matias Galarza’s attempt from just beyond the box. That provided some consolation for Orlando (4-8-2, 14 points), who opened the scoring in the 18th minute. Martin Ojeda’s pass between the legs of Atlanta centerback Enea Mihaj found Ivan Angulo charging into the scoring area. Despite Tomas Jacob’s attempts to defend, Angulo passed the ball in front of the goal to Dorsey, who tapped it in to give Orlando a 1-0 lead. It was Dorsey’s second goal of the season. Orlando City had several opportunities to extend its lead but failed to capitalize, ultimately settling for a point after conceding Fortune’s late goal. They were also forced to take Robin Jansson out at halftime after the Orlando centerback and captain appeared to suffer a knee injury. Angulo was credited with an assist on Dorsey’s goal, which was his team-high seventh of the season. Edwards’ assist on Fortune’s goal was his first of the year. Orlando and Atlanta will play each other again on Tuesday in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Atlanta #scores #late #pull #draw #Orlando

#Indy #qualifying #Weather #forces #scheduling #change">Indy 500 qualifying 2026: Weather forces scheduling change Due to persistent rain in the area on Saturday, qualifying for the 110th Indianapolis 500 has been moved to Sunday, making the event a single-day affair.Under the scheduling change, all all qualifiers will line up starting at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday, based on Friday’s qualifying draw and have one attempt to post a traditional four-lap qualifying speed. The fastest 12 qualifiers will move on, while the other 21 drivers will slot into spots 33-13 in the field for the 110th Indianapolis 500.The top 12 will head directly to a knockout round, scheduled for approximately 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. As with previous years, the order of the Top 12 begins in reverse of qualifying speeds from the cars’ initial qualifying attempts, leading off with the 12th-fastest car all the way through the fastest car from the initial qualifying attempt. Each car will have one attempt in this knockout stage. Those finishing seventh through 12th will fill out starting positions seven through 12 according to their time and speed.The fastest six will advance to the next round of Indianapolis 500 qualifying — the Firestone Fast Six — determine positions one through six.Here is the qualifying order as set during Friday’s draw: #Indy #qualifying #Weather #forces #scheduling #change

Pre-match chatter centred on Cristiano Ronaldo and whether the AFC Champions League Two final could finally end his wait for a major trophy with Al-Nassr. But Gamba Osaka had other ideas, beating the Saudi side 1-0 to lift the title on Saturday.

Gamba, the 2008 AFC Champions League winner, had gone into the final seeking to become the first Japanese club to win the AFC Champions League Two trophy. The Osaka side also completed Japan’s domestic treble in 2014, underlining its pedigree on big stages.

The only goal of the match came in the 29th minute after a move that began with a mistake from Ronaldo. Ryotaro Meshino was involved in the build-up before Tokuma Suzuki found Issam Jebali, who played the ball into the feet of Deniz Hummet. The forward, left unmarked inside the box, slotted home calmly to give Gamba the lead.

“I feel amazing. To bring this title for our supporters, I’m happy to score and help the team win,” Hummet told the broadcasters after the match.

ALSO READ: How Chennaiyin FC found a Chennai story in S. Prakadeswaran

Al-Nassr pushed for an equaliser, but Gamba goalkeeper Araki stood firm. Ronaldo, who was largely anonymous for most of the contest, had his only real opening towards the end of the first half, but grazed his header wide.

Sadio Mane and Joao Felix were also heavily involved as Al-Nassr tried to force its way back into the contest. Mane hit the side-netting, while Felix struck the post in the second half before seeing another effort cleared away.

Aiman Yahya also had a good chance to level when he collected the ball in the middle of the box, but he lashed his shot off target.

Gamba, however, defended with discipline and composure, surviving Al-Nassr’s late pressure to protect its one-goal lead and secure another memorable continental triumph.

Published on May 17, 2026

#AFC #ACL #Final #Gamba #Osaka #crowned #champion #Ronaldos #wait #major #trophy #AlNassr #continues">AFC ACL Two Final: Gamba Osaka crowned champion, Ronaldo’s wait for major trophy with Al-Nassr continues Pre-match chatter centred on Cristiano Ronaldo and whether the AFC Champions League Two final could finally end his wait for a major trophy with Al-Nassr. But Gamba Osaka had other ideas, beating the Saudi side 1-0 to lift the title on Saturday.Gamba, the 2008 AFC Champions League winner, had gone into the final seeking to become the first Japanese club to win the AFC Champions League Two trophy. The Osaka side also completed Japan’s domestic treble in 2014, underlining its pedigree on big stages.The only goal of the match came in the 29th minute after a move that began with a mistake from Ronaldo. Ryotaro Meshino was involved in the build-up before Tokuma Suzuki found Issam Jebali, who played the ball into the feet of Deniz Hummet. The forward, left unmarked inside the box, slotted home calmly to give Gamba the lead.“I feel amazing. To bring this title for our supporters, I’m happy to score and help the team win,” Hummet told the broadcasters after the match.ALSO READ: How Chennaiyin FC found a Chennai story in S. PrakadeswaranAl-Nassr pushed for an equaliser, but Gamba goalkeeper Araki stood firm. Ronaldo, who was largely anonymous for most of the contest, had his only real opening towards the end of the first half, but grazed his header wide.Sadio Mane and Joao Felix were also heavily involved as Al-Nassr tried to force its way back into the contest. Mane hit the side-netting, while Felix struck the post in the second half before seeing another effort cleared away.Aiman Yahya also had a good chance to level when he collected the ball in the middle of the box, but he lashed his shot off target.Gamba, however, defended with discipline and composure, surviving Al-Nassr’s late pressure to protect its one-goal lead and secure another memorable continental triumph.Published on May 17, 2026 #AFC #ACL #Final #Gamba #Osaka #crowned #champion #Ronaldos #wait #major #trophy #AlNassr #continues

How Chennaiyin FC found a Chennai story in S. Prakadeswaran

Al-Nassr pushed for an equaliser, but Gamba goalkeeper Araki stood firm. Ronaldo, who was largely anonymous for most of the contest, had his only real opening towards the end of the first half, but grazed his header wide.

Sadio Mane and Joao Felix were also heavily involved as Al-Nassr tried to force its way back into the contest. Mane hit the side-netting, while Felix struck the post in the second half before seeing another effort cleared away.

Aiman Yahya also had a good chance to level when he collected the ball in the middle of the box, but he lashed his shot off target.

Gamba, however, defended with discipline and composure, surviving Al-Nassr’s late pressure to protect its one-goal lead and secure another memorable continental triumph.

Published on May 17, 2026

#AFC #ACL #Final #Gamba #Osaka #crowned #champion #Ronaldos #wait #major #trophy #AlNassr #continues">AFC ACL Two Final: Gamba Osaka crowned champion, Ronaldo’s wait for major trophy with Al-Nassr continues

Pre-match chatter centred on Cristiano Ronaldo and whether the AFC Champions League Two final could finally end his wait for a major trophy with Al-Nassr. But Gamba Osaka had other ideas, beating the Saudi side 1-0 to lift the title on Saturday.

Gamba, the 2008 AFC Champions League winner, had gone into the final seeking to become the first Japanese club to win the AFC Champions League Two trophy. The Osaka side also completed Japan’s domestic treble in 2014, underlining its pedigree on big stages.

The only goal of the match came in the 29th minute after a move that began with a mistake from Ronaldo. Ryotaro Meshino was involved in the build-up before Tokuma Suzuki found Issam Jebali, who played the ball into the feet of Deniz Hummet. The forward, left unmarked inside the box, slotted home calmly to give Gamba the lead.

“I feel amazing. To bring this title for our supporters, I’m happy to score and help the team win,” Hummet told the broadcasters after the match.

ALSO READ: How Chennaiyin FC found a Chennai story in S. Prakadeswaran

Al-Nassr pushed for an equaliser, but Gamba goalkeeper Araki stood firm. Ronaldo, who was largely anonymous for most of the contest, had his only real opening towards the end of the first half, but grazed his header wide.

Sadio Mane and Joao Felix were also heavily involved as Al-Nassr tried to force its way back into the contest. Mane hit the side-netting, while Felix struck the post in the second half before seeing another effort cleared away.

Aiman Yahya also had a good chance to level when he collected the ball in the middle of the box, but he lashed his shot off target.

Gamba, however, defended with discipline and composure, surviving Al-Nassr’s late pressure to protect its one-goal lead and secure another memorable continental triumph.

Published on May 17, 2026

#AFC #ACL #Final #Gamba #Osaka #crowned #champion #Ronaldos #wait #major #trophy #AlNassr #continues

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