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Deadspin | Unlikely hero Dustin Harris helps White Sox edge Royals for split Apr 12, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Chicago White Sox left fielder Dustin Harris (37) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a run during the seventh inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images Dustin Harris roped a pinch-hit double and scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch in the seventh inning, then made a late potential home run-robbing catch, as the visiting White Sox won 6-5 over the Kansas City Royals on Sunday. Tanner Murray and Colson Montgomery each hit two-run homers and the White Sox used nine pitchers to win a contest that started after a three-hour rain delay and salvaged their split of this four-game set. With the score 5-5, the little-used Harris opened the seventh with a double, and eventually scored from third via a wild pitch by John Schreiber (0-2). Then in the eighth, Kansas City’s Michael Massy sent a Lucas Sims pitch deep to right field, but Harris reached up and snagged the ball at the top of the wall. Carter Jensen and Isaac Collins each had two hits with an RBI for Kansas City, which won the previous two games by 2-0 scores. Chicago snapped a 21-inning scoreless rut in the second. After Royals starter Noah Cameron posted two strikeouts, Montgomery doubled and Murray sent a drive that drifted over the left-field wall for his first career homer. The White Sox’s Grant Taylor retired all six batters over the first two innings in his fourth 2026 opener appearance. However, Sean Newcomb started the third, where he allowed a one-out single to Collins, then loaded the bases with back-to-back walks. Jonathan Cannon then entered for his 2026 debut and allowed the Royals to tie it with three consecutive walks before leaving with right hip irritation. Brandon Eisert entered, and Kansas City went ahead 3-2 via Jensen’s RBI infield squibber. The White Sox regained the lead in the fourth. With two out and a man on, Montgomery sent a Cameron pitch just inside the right-field pole for a 4-3 edge. But, Kansas City went back up via RBI singles from Collins and Bobby Witt Jr. in the bottom of the fourth. Cameron exited after 5 1/3 innings, yielding six hits and five runs — the last coming when Nick Mears walked ex-Royal Andrew Benintendi with the bags loaded in the sixth to tie it at 5-5. Jordan Leasure (1-0) worked 1 1/3 scoreless innings for the win. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #hero #Dustin #Harris #helps #White #Sox #edge #Royals #split

Deadspin | Unlikely hero Dustin Harris helps White Sox edge Royals for split
Deadspin | Unlikely hero Dustin Harris helps White Sox edge Royals for split Apr 12, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Chicago White Sox left fielder Dustin Harris (37) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a run during the seventh inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images Dustin Harris roped a pinch-hit double and scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch in the seventh inning, then made a late potential home run-robbing catch, as the visiting White Sox won 6-5 over the Kansas City Royals on Sunday. Tanner Murray and Colson Montgomery each hit two-run homers and the White Sox used nine pitchers to win a contest that started after a three-hour rain delay and salvaged their split of this four-game set. With the score 5-5, the little-used Harris opened the seventh with a double, and eventually scored from third via a wild pitch by John Schreiber (0-2). Then in the eighth, Kansas City’s Michael Massy sent a Lucas Sims pitch deep to right field, but Harris reached up and snagged the ball at the top of the wall. Carter Jensen and Isaac Collins each had two hits with an RBI for Kansas City, which won the previous two games by 2-0 scores. Chicago snapped a 21-inning scoreless rut in the second. After Royals starter Noah Cameron posted two strikeouts, Montgomery doubled and Murray sent a drive that drifted over the left-field wall for his first career homer. The White Sox’s Grant Taylor retired all six batters over the first two innings in his fourth 2026 opener appearance. However, Sean Newcomb started the third, where he allowed a one-out single to Collins, then loaded the bases with back-to-back walks. Jonathan Cannon then entered for his 2026 debut and allowed the Royals to tie it with three consecutive walks before leaving with right hip irritation. Brandon Eisert entered, and Kansas City went ahead 3-2 via Jensen’s RBI infield squibber. The White Sox regained the lead in the fourth. With two out and a man on, Montgomery sent a Cameron pitch just inside the right-field pole for a 4-3 edge. But, Kansas City went back up via RBI singles from Collins and Bobby Witt Jr. in the bottom of the fourth. Cameron exited after 5 1/3 innings, yielding six hits and five runs — the last coming when Nick Mears walked ex-Royal Andrew Benintendi with the bags loaded in the sixth to tie it at 5-5. Jordan Leasure (1-0) worked 1 1/3 scoreless innings for the win. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #hero #Dustin #Harris #helps #White #Sox #edge #Royals #splitApr 12, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Chicago White Sox left fielder Dustin Harris (37) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a run during the seventh inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Dustin Harris roped a pinch-hit double and scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch in the seventh inning, then made a late potential home run-robbing catch, as the visiting White Sox won 6-5 over the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.

Tanner Murray and Colson Montgomery each hit two-run homers and the White Sox used nine pitchers to win a contest that started after a three-hour rain delay and salvaged their split of this four-game set.

With the score 5-5, the little-used Harris opened the seventh with a double, and eventually scored from third via a wild pitch by John Schreiber (0-2). Then in the eighth, Kansas City’s Michael Massy sent a Lucas Sims pitch deep to right field, but Harris reached up and snagged the ball at the top of the wall.

Carter Jensen and Isaac Collins each had two hits with an RBI for Kansas City, which won the previous two games by 2-0 scores.

Chicago snapped a 21-inning scoreless rut in the second. After Royals starter Noah Cameron posted two strikeouts, Montgomery doubled and Murray sent a drive that drifted over the left-field wall for his first career homer.


The White Sox’s Grant Taylor retired all six batters over the first two innings in his fourth 2026 opener appearance. However, Sean Newcomb started the third, where he allowed a one-out single to Collins, then loaded the bases with back-to-back walks.

Jonathan Cannon then entered for his 2026 debut and allowed the Royals to tie it with three consecutive walks before leaving with right hip irritation. Brandon Eisert entered, and Kansas City went ahead 3-2 via Jensen’s RBI infield squibber.

The White Sox regained the lead in the fourth. With two out and a man on, Montgomery sent a Cameron pitch just inside the right-field pole for a 4-3 edge.

But, Kansas City went back up via RBI singles from Collins and Bobby Witt Jr. in the bottom of the fourth.

Cameron exited after 5 1/3 innings, yielding six hits and five runs — the last coming when Nick Mears walked ex-Royal Andrew Benintendi with the bags loaded in the sixth to tie it at 5-5.

Jordan Leasure (1-0) worked 1 1/3 scoreless innings for the win.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #hero #Dustin #Harris #helps #White #Sox #edge #Royals #split

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Apr 12, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Chicago White Sox left fielder Dustin Harris (37) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a run during the seventh inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Dustin Harris roped a pinch-hit double and scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch in the seventh inning, then made a late potential home run-robbing catch, as the visiting White Sox won 6-5 over the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.

Tanner Murray and Colson Montgomery each hit two-run homers and the White Sox used nine pitchers to win a contest that started after a three-hour rain delay and salvaged their split of this four-game set.

With the score 5-5, the little-used Harris opened the seventh with a double, and eventually scored from third via a wild pitch by John Schreiber (0-2). Then in the eighth, Kansas City’s Michael Massy sent a Lucas Sims pitch deep to right field, but Harris reached up and snagged the ball at the top of the wall.

Carter Jensen and Isaac Collins each had two hits with an RBI for Kansas City, which won the previous two games by 2-0 scores.

Chicago snapped a 21-inning scoreless rut in the second. After Royals starter Noah Cameron posted two strikeouts, Montgomery doubled and Murray sent a drive that drifted over the left-field wall for his first career homer.

The White Sox’s Grant Taylor retired all six batters over the first two innings in his fourth 2026 opener appearance. However, Sean Newcomb started the third, where he allowed a one-out single to Collins, then loaded the bases with back-to-back walks.

Jonathan Cannon then entered for his 2026 debut and allowed the Royals to tie it with three consecutive walks before leaving with right hip irritation. Brandon Eisert entered, and Kansas City went ahead 3-2 via Jensen’s RBI infield squibber.

The White Sox regained the lead in the fourth. With two out and a man on, Montgomery sent a Cameron pitch just inside the right-field pole for a 4-3 edge.

But, Kansas City went back up via RBI singles from Collins and Bobby Witt Jr. in the bottom of the fourth.

Cameron exited after 5 1/3 innings, yielding six hits and five runs — the last coming when Nick Mears walked ex-Royal Andrew Benintendi with the bags loaded in the sixth to tie it at 5-5.

Jordan Leasure (1-0) worked 1 1/3 scoreless innings for the win.

–Field Level Media

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UEFA Champions League 2025-26: Atletico need ‘personality’ to prevent Barca comeback, says Koke <div id="content-body-70857745" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke said Monday his team must play with “personality” to stop Barcelona from mounting a Champions League quarterfinal comeback.</p><p>The Rojiblancos earned a 2-0 first-leg win at Camp Nou last week and host the Spanish champions on Tuesday, aiming to reach the semifinal for the first time since 2017.</p><p>Five-time winner Barcelona reached the final four last season and arrives at the Metropolitano stadium determined to fight its way back into the tie and ramp up the pressure on the hosts.</p><p>“It’s hugely important to beat the press they usually put on,” Koke told reporters.</p><p>“They’re a team that presses very high, that pushes their line almost up to the halfway line, that presses you, that suffocates you.</p><p>“That’s where our personality comes in, when it’s time to play, to want the ball, to make ourselves available, to make runs in behind.”</p><p>The match is the third between the sides in the last fortnight and the sixth they have played this season, with Atletico knocking Barca out in the Copa del Rey semifinal.</p><p>“We’ve faced each other many times throughout this year,” continued the midfielder.</p><p>“We know each other perfectly, and it’s going to be very important to take the ball off them, attack the spaces well, and have the personality to want the ball and not lose it.”</p><p>Koke scored against Barca in the 2014 quarterfinal as Atletico — which has never won the competition — went on to reach the final, as it did in 2016, losing on both occasions to rival Real Madrid.</p><p><b>ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/epl/chelsea-vs-manchester-city-0-3-match-report-score-goals-highlights-premier-league-2025-26-news/article70855110.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Premier League 2025-26 — Man City routs Chelsea to close gap on leaders Arsenal</a></b></p><p>“I’ve watched that goal quite a few times,” admitted Koke.</p><p>“It’s true that when these kinds of matches start coming around, you try to motivate yourself and you try to visualise a lot of positive things that happened, like in 2014, like in 2016, and like in the first leg a week ago.”</p><p>Atletico coach Diego Simeone kept his cards close to his chest ahead of the second leg, refusing to say whether goalkeeper Jan Oblak was fit to start or elaborate much on anything at all.</p><p>“We’re fully aware of the strong opponent we’ll have in front of us,” said the coach. “But we’re also clear about our objective, which is to go through.”</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 13, 2026</p></div> #UEFA #Champions #League #Atletico #personality #prevent #Barca #comeback #Koke

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Deadspin | Rangers G Jonathan Quick retiring after 19 seasons Feb 5, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers goaltender Jonathan Quick (32) makes a save against the Carolina Hurricanes during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images New York Rangers goaltender Jonathan Quick announced that Monday night’s game at Florida will be the final appearance of his decorated 19-year NHL career. Quick, 40, won two Stanley Cups with the Los Angeles Kings (2012, 2014) and another with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023. He has appeared in 828 regular-season games and 92 playoff games since making his debut with the Kings on Dec. 6, 2007. In March of 2024 he earned his 392nd win to move past Ryan Miller and become the winningest American-born goaltender. He is one of 16 goaltenders to earn 400 wins, reaching the mark in February of 2025, and also earned a silver medal with the United States at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. This season, Quick is 6-16-2 with two shutouts, a 3.09 goals-against average and an .893 save percentage in 24 games (23 starts) for the Rangers, who are in last place in the Eastern Conference with two games remaining. New York (33-38-9, 75 points) will visit the Panthers on Monday night before finishing on the road against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday night. “In a career that spanned close to two decades in the National Hockey League, Jonathan Quick became not just the winningest American-born goaltender of all time, but also one of the best goaltenders in hockey history,” Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury said in a news release. “… He earned the utmost respect of teammates, coaches and staff members through his work ethic and dedication to his craft.” Quick was the Conn Smythe Trophy winner during the Kings’ first Stanley Cup charge in 2012. He won the William M. Jennings Trophy in 2013-14 and 2017-18 and made the All-Star teams in 2011-12 and 2015-16. He is 410-306-90 with 65 shutouts, a 2.51 GAA and a .910 save percentage in 828 games (807 starts) with the Kings (2007-23), Golden Knights (2023) and Rangers (2023-26). Quick ranks 12th in NHL history in wins. He is the Kings’ all-time leader in wins (370) and shutouts (57). –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Rangers #Jonathan #Quick #retiring #seasonsFeb 5, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers goaltender Jonathan Quick (32) makes a save against the Carolina Hurricanes during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

New York Rangers goaltender Jonathan Quick announced that Monday night’s game at Florida will be the final appearance of his decorated 19-year NHL career.

Quick, 40, won two Stanley Cups with the Los Angeles Kings (2012, 2014) and another with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023. He has appeared in 828 regular-season games and 92 playoff games since making his debut with the Kings on Dec. 6, 2007.

In March of 2024 he earned his 392nd win to move past Ryan Miller and become the winningest American-born goaltender. He is one of 16 goaltenders to earn 400 wins, reaching the mark in February of 2025, and also earned a silver medal with the United States at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

This season, Quick is 6-16-2 with two shutouts, a 3.09 goals-against average and an .893 save percentage in 24 games (23 starts) for the Rangers, who are in last place in the Eastern Conference with two games remaining.


New York (33-38-9, 75 points) will visit the Panthers on Monday night before finishing on the road against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday night.

“In a career that spanned close to two decades in the National Hockey League, Jonathan Quick became not just the winningest American-born goaltender of all time, but also one of the best goaltenders in hockey history,” Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury said in a news release. “… He earned the utmost respect of teammates, coaches and staff members through his work ethic and dedication to his craft.”

Quick was the Conn Smythe Trophy winner during the Kings’ first Stanley Cup charge in 2012. He won the William M. Jennings Trophy in 2013-14 and 2017-18 and made the All-Star teams in 2011-12 and 2015-16.

He is 410-306-90 with 65 shutouts, a 2.51 GAA and a .910 save percentage in 828 games (807 starts) with the Kings (2007-23), Golden Knights (2023) and Rangers (2023-26). Quick ranks 12th in NHL history in wins. He is the Kings’ all-time leader in wins (370) and shutouts (57).

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Rangers #Jonathan #Quick #retiring #seasons">Deadspin | Rangers G Jonathan Quick retiring after 19 seasons Feb 5, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers goaltender Jonathan Quick (32) makes a save against the Carolina Hurricanes during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images New York Rangers goaltender Jonathan Quick announced that Monday night’s game at Florida will be the final appearance of his decorated 19-year NHL career. Quick, 40, won two Stanley Cups with the Los Angeles Kings (2012, 2014) and another with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023. He has appeared in 828 regular-season games and 92 playoff games since making his debut with the Kings on Dec. 6, 2007. In March of 2024 he earned his 392nd win to move past Ryan Miller and become the winningest American-born goaltender. He is one of 16 goaltenders to earn 400 wins, reaching the mark in February of 2025, and also earned a silver medal with the United States at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. This season, Quick is 6-16-2 with two shutouts, a 3.09 goals-against average and an .893 save percentage in 24 games (23 starts) for the Rangers, who are in last place in the Eastern Conference with two games remaining. New York (33-38-9, 75 points) will visit the Panthers on Monday night before finishing on the road against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday night. “In a career that spanned close to two decades in the National Hockey League, Jonathan Quick became not just the winningest American-born goaltender of all time, but also one of the best goaltenders in hockey history,” Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury said in a news release. “… He earned the utmost respect of teammates, coaches and staff members through his work ethic and dedication to his craft.” Quick was the Conn Smythe Trophy winner during the Kings’ first Stanley Cup charge in 2012. He won the William M. Jennings Trophy in 2013-14 and 2017-18 and made the All-Star teams in 2011-12 and 2015-16. He is 410-306-90 with 65 shutouts, a 2.51 GAA and a .910 save percentage in 828 games (807 starts) with the Kings (2007-23), Golden Knights (2023) and Rangers (2023-26). Quick ranks 12th in NHL history in wins. He is the Kings’ all-time leader in wins (370) and shutouts (57). –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Rangers #Jonathan #Quick #retiring #seasons

The 2026 NBA playoffs are upon us.

As of this moment, 20 teams are still alive for a shot at the Larry O’Brien trophy. However, eight of those teams still have some work to do before their playoff journeys can begin in earnest. Things kick off on Tuesday with the Play-In Tournament, as four teams in the Eastern Conference, and four teams in the Western Conference, vie for the final two spots in each conference.

Here is the schedule for the Play-In Tournament as well as the First Round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. And be warned, if you want to watch all the games, you better have Prime Video.

Here’s the final bracket for the 2026 NBA Playoffs. Remember, the NBA does not reseed.

Eastern Conference Play-In

The Eastern Conference Play-In tournament gets things going on Tuesday, April 15. The Miami Heat and the Charlotte Hornets square off in the first game, with the loser eliminated from postseason contention. The winner will take on the loser of Wednesday’s game between No. 8 Orlando and No. 7 Philadelphia, with the winner of that game securing the No. 7 seed in the East.

The loser of that second game will drop to the No. 8 spot.

No. 10 Miami Heat at No. 9 Charlotte Hornets: Tuesday, April 14 (7:30 p.m., Prime Video)
Loser eliminated

No. 8 Orlando Magic at No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers: Wednesday, April 15 (7:30 p.m., Prime Video)
Winner secures No. 7 seed in East

No. 7/No. 8 loser vs. No. 9/No. 10 winner: Friday, April 17 (7:30 p.m., Prime Video)
Winner secures No. 8 seed in East, loser eliminated

Western Conference Play-In

Over in the Western Conference, the Play-In Tournament begins with the Phoenix Suns hosting the Portland Trail Blazers, with the winner of that game on Tuesday securing the No. 7 seed. The loser will take on the winner of Wednesday’s game between No. 10 Golden State and No. 9 Los Angeles.

No. 8 Portland Trail Blazers at No. 7 Phoenix Suns, Tuesday, April 14 ( 10:00 p.m., Prime Video)
Winner secures No. 7 seed in West

No. 10 Golden State Warriors at No. 9 Los Angeles Clippers: Wednesday, April 15 ( 10:00 p.m., Prime Video)
Loser eliminated

No. 7/No. 8 loser vs. No. 9/No. 10 winner: Friday, April 17 ( 10:00 p.m., Prime Video)
Winner secures No. 8 seed in West, loser eliminated

Eastern Conference Playoffs

Six teams are waiting in the Eastern Conference, led by the top-seeded Detroit Pistons. They’ll take on the No. 8 seed in the first round, while the Boston Celtics — who check in as the No. 2 seed in the East — will take on the No. 7 seed.

The other two first-round matchups are set: No. 3 New York vs. No. 6 Atlanta, and No. 4 Cleveland vs. No. 5 Toronto.

No. 1 Detroit Pistons vs. No. 8 (TBD)

Game 1: TBD at Detroit: Sunday, April 19 (6:30 p.m., NBC)
Game 2: TBD at Detroit: TBD
Game 3: Detroit at TBD: TBD
Game 4: Detroit at TBD: TBD
Game 5: TBD at Detroit: TBD*
Game 6: Detroit at TBD: TBD*
Game 7: TBD at Detroit: TBD*

No. 2 Boston Celtics vs. No. 7 (TBD)

Game 1: TBD at Boston: Sunday, April 19 (1:00 p.m., ABC)
Game 2: TBD at Boston: TBD
Game 3: Boston at TBD: TBD
Game 4: Boston at TBD: TBD
Game 5: TBD at Boston: TBD*
Game 6: Boston at TBD: TBD*
Game 7: TBD at Boston: TBD*

No. 3 New York Knicks vs. No. 6 Atlanta Hawks

Game 1: Atlanta at New York: Saturday, April 18 (6:00 p.m., Prime Video)
Game 2: Atlanta at New York: TBD
Game 3: New York at Atlanta: TBD
Game 4: New York at Atlanta: TBD
Game 5: Atlanta at New York: TBD*
Game 6: New York at Atlanta: TBD*
Game 7: Atlanta at New York: TBD*

No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. No. 5 Toronto Raptors

Game 1: Toronto at Cleveland: Saturday, April 18 (1:00 p.m., Prime Video)
Game 2: Toronto at Cleveland: TBD
Game 3: Cleveland at Toronto: TBD
Game 4: Cleveland at Toronto: TBD
Game 5: Toronto at Cleveland: TBD*
Game 6: Cleveland at Toronto: TBD*
Game 7: Toronto at Cleveland: TBD*

Western Conference Playoffs

Over in the Western Conference, the defending champions are waiting on the results of the Play-In Tournament, as the Thunder will have home-court in the First Round against the No. 8 seed. Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs secured the No. 2 seed, and will take on the No. 7 seed.

The other two matchups in the Western Conference are set. In the first, No. 3 Denver will take on No. 6 Minnesota, while in the second, No. 4 Los Angeles matches up against No. 5 Houston.

No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 8 (TBD)

Game 1: TBD at Oklahoma City: Sunday, April 19 (3:30 p.m., ABC)
Game 2: TBD at Oklahoma City: TBD
Game 3: Oklahoma City at TBD: TBD
Game 4: Oklahoma City at TBD: TBD
Game 5: TBD at Oklahoma City: TBD*
Game 6: Oklahoma City at TBD: TBD*
Game 7: TBD at Oklahoma City: TBD*

No. 2 San Antonio Spurs vs. No. 7 (TBD)

Game 1: TBD at San Antonio: Sunday, April 19 (9:00 p.m., NBC)
Game 2: TBD at San Antonio: TBD
Game 3: San Antonio at TBD: TBD
Game 4: San Antonio at TBD: TBD
Game 5: TBD at San Antonio: TBD*
Game 6: San Antonio at TBD: TBD*
Game 7: TBD at San Antonio: TBD*

No. 3 Denver Nuggets vs. No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves

Game 1: Minnesota at Denver: Saturday, April 18 (3:30 p.m., Prime Video)
Game 2: Minnesota at Denver: TBD
Game 3: Denver at Minnesota: TBD
Game 4: Denver at Minnesota: TBD
Game 5: Minnesota at Denver: TBD*
Game 6: Denver at Minnesota: TBD*
Game 7: Minnesota at Denver: TBD*

No. 4 Los Angeles Lakers vs. No. 5 Houston Rockets

Game 1: Houston at Los Angeles: Saturday, April 18 (8:30 p.m., ABC)
Game 2: Houston at Los Angeles: TBD
Game 3: Los Angeles at Houston: TBD
Game 4: Los Angeles at Houston: TBD
Game 5: Houston at Los Angeles: TBD*
Game 6: Los Angeles at Houston: TBD*
Game 7: Houston at Los Angeles: TBD*

#NBA #Playoffs #Firstround #schedule #bracket #regular #season #ends">NBA Playoffs 2026: First-round schedule and bracket after regular season ends The 2026 NBA playoffs are upon us.As of this moment, 20 teams are still alive for a shot at the Larry O’Brien trophy. However, eight of those teams still have some work to do before their playoff journeys can begin in earnest. Things kick off on Tuesday with the Play-In Tournament, as four teams in the Eastern Conference, and four teams in the Western Conference, vie for the final two spots in each conference.Here is the schedule for the Play-In Tournament as well as the First Round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. And be warned, if you want to watch all the games, you better have Prime Video.Here’s the final bracket for the 2026 NBA Playoffs. Remember, the NBA does not reseed.Eastern Conference Play-InThe Eastern Conference Play-In tournament gets things going on Tuesday, April 15. The Miami Heat and the Charlotte Hornets square off in the first game, with the loser eliminated from postseason contention. The winner will take on the loser of Wednesday’s game between No. 8 Orlando and No. 7 Philadelphia, with the winner of that game securing the No. 7 seed in the East.The loser of that second game will drop to the No. 8 spot.No. 10 Miami Heat at No. 9 Charlotte Hornets: Tuesday, April 14 (7:30 p.m., Prime Video)Loser eliminatedNo. 8 Orlando Magic at No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers: Wednesday, April 15 (7:30 p.m., Prime Video)Winner secures No. 7 seed in EastNo. 7/No. 8 loser vs. No. 9/No. 10 winner: Friday, April 17 (7:30 p.m., Prime Video)Winner secures No. 8 seed in East, loser eliminatedWestern Conference Play-InOver in the Western Conference, the Play-In Tournament begins with the Phoenix Suns hosting the Portland Trail Blazers, with the winner of that game on Tuesday securing the No. 7 seed. The loser will take on the winner of Wednesday’s game between No. 10 Golden State and No. 9 Los Angeles.No. 8 Portland Trail Blazers at No. 7 Phoenix Suns, Tuesday, April 14 ( 10:00 p.m., Prime Video)Winner secures No. 7 seed in WestNo. 10 Golden State Warriors at No. 9 Los Angeles Clippers: Wednesday, April 15 ( 10:00 p.m., Prime Video)Loser eliminatedNo. 7/No. 8 loser vs. No. 9/No. 10 winner: Friday, April 17 ( 10:00 p.m., Prime Video)Winner secures No. 8 seed in West, loser eliminatedEastern Conference PlayoffsSix teams are waiting in the Eastern Conference, led by the top-seeded Detroit Pistons. They’ll take on the No. 8 seed in the first round, while the Boston Celtics — who check in as the No. 2 seed in the East — will take on the No. 7 seed.The other two first-round matchups are set: No. 3 New York vs. No. 6 Atlanta, and No. 4 Cleveland vs. No. 5 Toronto.No. 1 Detroit Pistons vs. No. 8 (TBD)Game 1: TBD at Detroit: Sunday, April 19 (6:30 p.m., NBC)Game 2: TBD at Detroit: TBDGame 3: Detroit at TBD: TBDGame 4: Detroit at TBD: TBDGame 5: TBD at Detroit: TBD*Game 6: Detroit at TBD: TBD*Game 7: TBD at Detroit: TBD*No. 2 Boston Celtics vs. No. 7 (TBD)Game 1: TBD at Boston: Sunday, April 19 (1:00 p.m., ABC)Game 2: TBD at Boston: TBDGame 3: Boston at TBD: TBDGame 4: Boston at TBD: TBDGame 5: TBD at Boston: TBD*Game 6: Boston at TBD: TBD*Game 7: TBD at Boston: TBD*No. 3 New York Knicks vs. No. 6 Atlanta HawksGame 1: Atlanta at New York: Saturday, April 18 (6:00 p.m., Prime Video)Game 2: Atlanta at New York: TBDGame 3: New York at Atlanta: TBDGame 4: New York at Atlanta: TBDGame 5: Atlanta at New York: TBD*Game 6: New York at Atlanta: TBD*Game 7: Atlanta at New York: TBD*No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. No. 5 Toronto RaptorsGame 1: Toronto at Cleveland: Saturday, April 18 (1:00 p.m., Prime Video)Game 2: Toronto at Cleveland: TBDGame 3: Cleveland at Toronto: TBDGame 4: Cleveland at Toronto: TBDGame 5: Toronto at Cleveland: TBD*Game 6: Cleveland at Toronto: TBD*Game 7: Toronto at Cleveland: TBD*Western Conference PlayoffsOver in the Western Conference, the defending champions are waiting on the results of the Play-In Tournament, as the Thunder will have home-court in the First Round against the No. 8 seed. Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs secured the No. 2 seed, and will take on the No. 7 seed.The other two matchups in the Western Conference are set. In the first, No. 3 Denver will take on No. 6 Minnesota, while in the second, No. 4 Los Angeles matches up against No. 5 Houston.No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 8 (TBD)Game 1: TBD at Oklahoma City: Sunday, April 19 (3:30 p.m., ABC)Game 2: TBD at Oklahoma City: TBDGame 3: Oklahoma City at TBD: TBDGame 4: Oklahoma City at TBD: TBDGame 5: TBD at Oklahoma City: TBD*Game 6: Oklahoma City at TBD: TBD*Game 7: TBD at Oklahoma City: TBD*No. 2 San Antonio Spurs vs. No. 7 (TBD)Game 1: TBD at San Antonio: Sunday, April 19 (9:00 p.m., NBC)Game 2: TBD at San Antonio: TBDGame 3: San Antonio at TBD: TBDGame 4: San Antonio at TBD: TBDGame 5: TBD at San Antonio: TBD*Game 6: San Antonio at TBD: TBD*Game 7: TBD at San Antonio: TBD*No. 3 Denver Nuggets vs. No. 6 Minnesota TimberwolvesGame 1: Minnesota at Denver: Saturday, April 18 (3:30 p.m., Prime Video)Game 2: Minnesota at Denver: TBDGame 3: Denver at Minnesota: TBDGame 4: Denver at Minnesota: TBDGame 5: Minnesota at Denver: TBD*Game 6: Denver at Minnesota: TBD*Game 7: Minnesota at Denver: TBD*No. 4 Los Angeles Lakers vs. No. 5 Houston RocketsGame 1: Houston at Los Angeles: Saturday, April 18 (8:30 p.m., ABC)Game 2: Houston at Los Angeles: TBDGame 3: Los Angeles at Houston: TBDGame 4: Los Angeles at Houston: TBDGame 5: Houston at Los Angeles: TBD*Game 6: Los Angeles at Houston: TBD*Game 7: Houston at Los Angeles: TBD* #NBA #Playoffs #Firstround #schedule #bracket #regular #season #ends

Eastern Conference Play-In

The Eastern Conference Play-In tournament gets things going on Tuesday, April 15. The Miami Heat and the Charlotte Hornets square off in the first game, with the loser eliminated from postseason contention. The winner will take on the loser of Wednesday’s game between No. 8 Orlando and No. 7 Philadelphia, with the winner of that game securing the No. 7 seed in the East.

The loser of that second game will drop to the No. 8 spot.

No. 10 Miami Heat at No. 9 Charlotte Hornets: Tuesday, April 14 (7:30 p.m., Prime Video)
Loser eliminated

No. 8 Orlando Magic at No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers: Wednesday, April 15 (7:30 p.m., Prime Video)
Winner secures No. 7 seed in East

No. 7/No. 8 loser vs. No. 9/No. 10 winner: Friday, April 17 (7:30 p.m., Prime Video)
Winner secures No. 8 seed in East, loser eliminated

Western Conference Play-In

Over in the Western Conference, the Play-In Tournament begins with the Phoenix Suns hosting the Portland Trail Blazers, with the winner of that game on Tuesday securing the No. 7 seed. The loser will take on the winner of Wednesday’s game between No. 10 Golden State and No. 9 Los Angeles.

No. 8 Portland Trail Blazers at No. 7 Phoenix Suns, Tuesday, April 14 ( 10:00 p.m., Prime Video)
Winner secures No. 7 seed in West

No. 10 Golden State Warriors at No. 9 Los Angeles Clippers: Wednesday, April 15 ( 10:00 p.m., Prime Video)
Loser eliminated

No. 7/No. 8 loser vs. No. 9/No. 10 winner: Friday, April 17 ( 10:00 p.m., Prime Video)
Winner secures No. 8 seed in West, loser eliminated

Eastern Conference Playoffs

Six teams are waiting in the Eastern Conference, led by the top-seeded Detroit Pistons. They’ll take on the No. 8 seed in the first round, while the Boston Celtics — who check in as the No. 2 seed in the East — will take on the No. 7 seed.

The other two first-round matchups are set: No. 3 New York vs. No. 6 Atlanta, and No. 4 Cleveland vs. No. 5 Toronto.

No. 1 Detroit Pistons vs. No. 8 (TBD)

Game 1: TBD at Detroit: Sunday, April 19 (6:30 p.m., NBC)
Game 2: TBD at Detroit: TBD
Game 3: Detroit at TBD: TBD
Game 4: Detroit at TBD: TBD
Game 5: TBD at Detroit: TBD*
Game 6: Detroit at TBD: TBD*
Game 7: TBD at Detroit: TBD*

No. 2 Boston Celtics vs. No. 7 (TBD)

Game 1: TBD at Boston: Sunday, April 19 (1:00 p.m., ABC)
Game 2: TBD at Boston: TBD
Game 3: Boston at TBD: TBD
Game 4: Boston at TBD: TBD
Game 5: TBD at Boston: TBD*
Game 6: Boston at TBD: TBD*
Game 7: TBD at Boston: TBD*

No. 3 New York Knicks vs. No. 6 Atlanta Hawks

Game 1: Atlanta at New York: Saturday, April 18 (6:00 p.m., Prime Video)
Game 2: Atlanta at New York: TBD
Game 3: New York at Atlanta: TBD
Game 4: New York at Atlanta: TBD
Game 5: Atlanta at New York: TBD*
Game 6: New York at Atlanta: TBD*
Game 7: Atlanta at New York: TBD*

No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. No. 5 Toronto Raptors

Game 1: Toronto at Cleveland: Saturday, April 18 (1:00 p.m., Prime Video)
Game 2: Toronto at Cleveland: TBD
Game 3: Cleveland at Toronto: TBD
Game 4: Cleveland at Toronto: TBD
Game 5: Toronto at Cleveland: TBD*
Game 6: Cleveland at Toronto: TBD*
Game 7: Toronto at Cleveland: TBD*

Western Conference Playoffs

Over in the Western Conference, the defending champions are waiting on the results of the Play-In Tournament, as the Thunder will have home-court in the First Round against the No. 8 seed. Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs secured the No. 2 seed, and will take on the No. 7 seed.

The other two matchups in the Western Conference are set. In the first, No. 3 Denver will take on No. 6 Minnesota, while in the second, No. 4 Los Angeles matches up against No. 5 Houston.

No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 8 (TBD)

Game 1: TBD at Oklahoma City: Sunday, April 19 (3:30 p.m., ABC)
Game 2: TBD at Oklahoma City: TBD
Game 3: Oklahoma City at TBD: TBD
Game 4: Oklahoma City at TBD: TBD
Game 5: TBD at Oklahoma City: TBD*
Game 6: Oklahoma City at TBD: TBD*
Game 7: TBD at Oklahoma City: TBD*

No. 2 San Antonio Spurs vs. No. 7 (TBD)

Game 1: TBD at San Antonio: Sunday, April 19 (9:00 p.m., NBC)
Game 2: TBD at San Antonio: TBD
Game 3: San Antonio at TBD: TBD
Game 4: San Antonio at TBD: TBD
Game 5: TBD at San Antonio: TBD*
Game 6: San Antonio at TBD: TBD*
Game 7: TBD at San Antonio: TBD*

No. 3 Denver Nuggets vs. No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves

Game 1: Minnesota at Denver: Saturday, April 18 (3:30 p.m., Prime Video)
Game 2: Minnesota at Denver: TBD
Game 3: Denver at Minnesota: TBD
Game 4: Denver at Minnesota: TBD
Game 5: Minnesota at Denver: TBD*
Game 6: Denver at Minnesota: TBD*
Game 7: Minnesota at Denver: TBD*

No. 4 Los Angeles Lakers vs. No. 5 Houston Rockets

Game 1: Houston at Los Angeles: Saturday, April 18 (8:30 p.m., ABC)
Game 2: Houston at Los Angeles: TBD
Game 3: Los Angeles at Houston: TBD
Game 4: Los Angeles at Houston: TBD
Game 5: Houston at Los Angeles: TBD*
Game 6: Los Angeles at Houston: TBD*
Game 7: Houston at Los Angeles: TBD*

#NBA #Playoffs #Firstround #schedule #bracket #regular #season #ends">NBA Playoffs 2026: First-round schedule and bracket after regular season ends

The 2026 NBA playoffs are upon us.

As of this moment, 20 teams are still alive for a shot at the Larry O’Brien trophy. However, eight of those teams still have some work to do before their playoff journeys can begin in earnest. Things kick off on Tuesday with the Play-In Tournament, as four teams in the Eastern Conference, and four teams in the Western Conference, vie for the final two spots in each conference.

Here is the schedule for the Play-In Tournament as well as the First Round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. And be warned, if you want to watch all the games, you better have Prime Video.

Here’s the final bracket for the 2026 NBA Playoffs. Remember, the NBA does not reseed.

Eastern Conference Play-In

The Eastern Conference Play-In tournament gets things going on Tuesday, April 15. The Miami Heat and the Charlotte Hornets square off in the first game, with the loser eliminated from postseason contention. The winner will take on the loser of Wednesday’s game between No. 8 Orlando and No. 7 Philadelphia, with the winner of that game securing the No. 7 seed in the East.

The loser of that second game will drop to the No. 8 spot.

No. 10 Miami Heat at No. 9 Charlotte Hornets: Tuesday, April 14 (7:30 p.m., Prime Video)
Loser eliminated

No. 8 Orlando Magic at No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers: Wednesday, April 15 (7:30 p.m., Prime Video)
Winner secures No. 7 seed in East

No. 7/No. 8 loser vs. No. 9/No. 10 winner: Friday, April 17 (7:30 p.m., Prime Video)
Winner secures No. 8 seed in East, loser eliminated

Western Conference Play-In

Over in the Western Conference, the Play-In Tournament begins with the Phoenix Suns hosting the Portland Trail Blazers, with the winner of that game on Tuesday securing the No. 7 seed. The loser will take on the winner of Wednesday’s game between No. 10 Golden State and No. 9 Los Angeles.

No. 8 Portland Trail Blazers at No. 7 Phoenix Suns, Tuesday, April 14 ( 10:00 p.m., Prime Video)
Winner secures No. 7 seed in West

No. 10 Golden State Warriors at No. 9 Los Angeles Clippers: Wednesday, April 15 ( 10:00 p.m., Prime Video)
Loser eliminated

No. 7/No. 8 loser vs. No. 9/No. 10 winner: Friday, April 17 ( 10:00 p.m., Prime Video)
Winner secures No. 8 seed in West, loser eliminated

Eastern Conference Playoffs

Six teams are waiting in the Eastern Conference, led by the top-seeded Detroit Pistons. They’ll take on the No. 8 seed in the first round, while the Boston Celtics — who check in as the No. 2 seed in the East — will take on the No. 7 seed.

The other two first-round matchups are set: No. 3 New York vs. No. 6 Atlanta, and No. 4 Cleveland vs. No. 5 Toronto.

No. 1 Detroit Pistons vs. No. 8 (TBD)

Game 1: TBD at Detroit: Sunday, April 19 (6:30 p.m., NBC)
Game 2: TBD at Detroit: TBD
Game 3: Detroit at TBD: TBD
Game 4: Detroit at TBD: TBD
Game 5: TBD at Detroit: TBD*
Game 6: Detroit at TBD: TBD*
Game 7: TBD at Detroit: TBD*

No. 2 Boston Celtics vs. No. 7 (TBD)

Game 1: TBD at Boston: Sunday, April 19 (1:00 p.m., ABC)
Game 2: TBD at Boston: TBD
Game 3: Boston at TBD: TBD
Game 4: Boston at TBD: TBD
Game 5: TBD at Boston: TBD*
Game 6: Boston at TBD: TBD*
Game 7: TBD at Boston: TBD*

No. 3 New York Knicks vs. No. 6 Atlanta Hawks

Game 1: Atlanta at New York: Saturday, April 18 (6:00 p.m., Prime Video)
Game 2: Atlanta at New York: TBD
Game 3: New York at Atlanta: TBD
Game 4: New York at Atlanta: TBD
Game 5: Atlanta at New York: TBD*
Game 6: New York at Atlanta: TBD*
Game 7: Atlanta at New York: TBD*

No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. No. 5 Toronto Raptors

Game 1: Toronto at Cleveland: Saturday, April 18 (1:00 p.m., Prime Video)
Game 2: Toronto at Cleveland: TBD
Game 3: Cleveland at Toronto: TBD
Game 4: Cleveland at Toronto: TBD
Game 5: Toronto at Cleveland: TBD*
Game 6: Cleveland at Toronto: TBD*
Game 7: Toronto at Cleveland: TBD*

Western Conference Playoffs

Over in the Western Conference, the defending champions are waiting on the results of the Play-In Tournament, as the Thunder will have home-court in the First Round against the No. 8 seed. Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs secured the No. 2 seed, and will take on the No. 7 seed.

The other two matchups in the Western Conference are set. In the first, No. 3 Denver will take on No. 6 Minnesota, while in the second, No. 4 Los Angeles matches up against No. 5 Houston.

No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 8 (TBD)

Game 1: TBD at Oklahoma City: Sunday, April 19 (3:30 p.m., ABC)
Game 2: TBD at Oklahoma City: TBD
Game 3: Oklahoma City at TBD: TBD
Game 4: Oklahoma City at TBD: TBD
Game 5: TBD at Oklahoma City: TBD*
Game 6: Oklahoma City at TBD: TBD*
Game 7: TBD at Oklahoma City: TBD*

No. 2 San Antonio Spurs vs. No. 7 (TBD)

Game 1: TBD at San Antonio: Sunday, April 19 (9:00 p.m., NBC)
Game 2: TBD at San Antonio: TBD
Game 3: San Antonio at TBD: TBD
Game 4: San Antonio at TBD: TBD
Game 5: TBD at San Antonio: TBD*
Game 6: San Antonio at TBD: TBD*
Game 7: TBD at San Antonio: TBD*

No. 3 Denver Nuggets vs. No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves

Game 1: Minnesota at Denver: Saturday, April 18 (3:30 p.m., Prime Video)
Game 2: Minnesota at Denver: TBD
Game 3: Denver at Minnesota: TBD
Game 4: Denver at Minnesota: TBD
Game 5: Minnesota at Denver: TBD*
Game 6: Denver at Minnesota: TBD*
Game 7: Minnesota at Denver: TBD*

No. 4 Los Angeles Lakers vs. No. 5 Houston Rockets

Game 1: Houston at Los Angeles: Saturday, April 18 (8:30 p.m., ABC)
Game 2: Houston at Los Angeles: TBD
Game 3: Los Angeles at Houston: TBD
Game 4: Los Angeles at Houston: TBD
Game 5: Houston at Los Angeles: TBD*
Game 6: Los Angeles at Houston: TBD*
Game 7: Houston at Los Angeles: TBD*

#NBA #Playoffs #Firstround #schedule #bracket #regular #season #ends

Arne Slot admits Liverpool will need a “very special” performance to overturn its 2-0 deficit against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal second leg on Tuesday.

Slot’s side are on the brink of being eliminated by PSG for a second successive season after a disappointing display in Paris last week.

Liverpool failed to muster a single shot on target at the Parc des Princes and Slot acknowledged the side will have to improve significantly to stun Luis Enrique’s team at Anfield.

“We know we need an exceptional performance to go to the next round but that’s completely normal when you face the champions of Europe,” Slot told reporters on Monday.

“In the 49 home games we have played under me, 36 times we were able to score two goals or more.

“Yes, we have not played all these 49 games against Paris Saint-Germain, I realise that, but the Premier League and Champions League opponents we had were very strong.

“So there is a belief we can do special things tomorrow but we need to be very, very, very special to achieve that.”

Slot has come under mounting scrutiny following Liverpool’s woeful defence of the Premier League title and its embarrassing FA Cup quarterfinal exit in a 4-0 thrashing at Manchester City.

After three successive defeats against Brighton, City and PSG, Liverpool kept the critics at bay, for a few days at least, with a 2-0 win against Fulham on Saturday.

But a tame exit from the Champions League would intensify the pressure on Slot ahead of Sunday’s Merseyside derby at Everton.

Start aggressive

Slot knows Liverpool needs to at least put up a better fight than in Paris, where it struggled to retain possession and rarely troubled the PSG defence.

“We are playing the champions of Europe so that makes the task more difficult but not impossible,” he said.

“For now let’s just focus on the job on hand, start aggressive and make sure we can get back in the tie.

“Even Saturday showed how important a goal is… minutes (later) we scored the second. That is what football is about, a goal can change the momentum, which happened negatively for us at Manchester City.”

While Slot was criticised for Liverpool’s passive first-leg performance, the Reds boss insisted his side could win with a similar approach at Anfield.

ALSO READ | Atletico needs ‘personality’ to prevent Barca comeback, says Koke

“People probably find it very hard what I am about to say now but the approach is not so different tomorrow than it was in Paris. For the people who know me I never tell them to play in a low block for 90 minutes,” he said.

“You could see we pressed them high on multiple occasions. Unfortunately, seven or eight of those moments led them to being one-on-one with our goalkeeper.

“The last time we faced each other they had the ball for 76 percent of the time, so that’s the first thing we have to change tomorrow, to have the ball more.

“If we have it more then it’s nice to have the attacking threat on the pitch and that’s what we will have tomorrow.”

Published on Apr 13, 2026

#UEFA #Champions #League #Liverpool #special #night #stun #PSG #Slot">UEFA Champions League 2025-26: Liverpool needs ‘very special’ night to stun PSG, says Slot Arne Slot admits Liverpool will need a “very special” performance to overturn its 2-0 deficit against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal second leg on Tuesday.Slot’s side are on the brink of being eliminated by PSG for a second successive season after a disappointing display in Paris last week.Liverpool failed to muster a single shot on target at the Parc des Princes and Slot acknowledged the side will have to improve significantly to stun Luis Enrique’s team at Anfield.“We know we need an exceptional performance to go to the next round but that’s completely normal when you face the champions of Europe,” Slot told reporters on Monday.“In the 49 home games we have played under me, 36 times we were able to score two goals or more.“Yes, we have not played all these 49 games against Paris Saint-Germain, I realise that, but the Premier League and Champions League opponents we had were very strong.“So there is a belief we can do special things tomorrow but we need to be very, very, very special to achieve that.”Slot has come under mounting scrutiny following Liverpool’s woeful defence of the Premier League title and its embarrassing FA Cup quarterfinal exit in a 4-0 thrashing at Manchester City.After three successive defeats against Brighton, City and PSG, Liverpool kept the critics at bay, for a few days at least, with a 2-0 win against Fulham on Saturday.But a tame exit from the Champions League would intensify the pressure on Slot ahead of Sunday’s Merseyside derby at Everton.Start aggressiveSlot knows Liverpool needs to at least put up a better fight than in Paris, where it struggled to retain possession and rarely troubled the PSG defence.“We are playing the champions of Europe so that makes the task more difficult but not impossible,” he said.“For now let’s just focus on the job on hand, start aggressive and make sure we can get back in the tie.“Even Saturday showed how important a goal is… minutes (later) we scored the second. That is what football is about, a goal can change the momentum, which happened negatively for us at Manchester City.”While Slot was criticised for Liverpool’s passive first-leg performance, the Reds boss insisted his side could win with a similar approach at Anfield.ALSO READ | Atletico needs ‘personality’ to prevent Barca comeback, says Koke“People probably find it very hard what I am about to say now but the approach is not so different tomorrow than it was in Paris. For the people who know me I never tell them to play in a low block for 90 minutes,” he said.“You could see we pressed them high on multiple occasions. Unfortunately, seven or eight of those moments led them to being one-on-one with our goalkeeper.“The last time we faced each other they had the ball for 76 percent of the time, so that’s the first thing we have to change tomorrow, to have the ball more.“If we have it more then it’s nice to have the attacking threat on the pitch and that’s what we will have tomorrow.”Published on Apr 13, 2026 #UEFA #Champions #League #Liverpool #special #night #stun #PSG #Slot

Atletico needs ‘personality’ to prevent Barca comeback, says Koke

“People probably find it very hard what I am about to say now but the approach is not so different tomorrow than it was in Paris. For the people who know me I never tell them to play in a low block for 90 minutes,” he said.

“You could see we pressed them high on multiple occasions. Unfortunately, seven or eight of those moments led them to being one-on-one with our goalkeeper.

“The last time we faced each other they had the ball for 76 percent of the time, so that’s the first thing we have to change tomorrow, to have the ball more.

“If we have it more then it’s nice to have the attacking threat on the pitch and that’s what we will have tomorrow.”

Published on Apr 13, 2026

#UEFA #Champions #League #Liverpool #special #night #stun #PSG #Slot">UEFA Champions League 2025-26: Liverpool needs ‘very special’ night to stun PSG, says Slot

Arne Slot admits Liverpool will need a “very special” performance to overturn its 2-0 deficit against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal second leg on Tuesday.

Slot’s side are on the brink of being eliminated by PSG for a second successive season after a disappointing display in Paris last week.

Liverpool failed to muster a single shot on target at the Parc des Princes and Slot acknowledged the side will have to improve significantly to stun Luis Enrique’s team at Anfield.

“We know we need an exceptional performance to go to the next round but that’s completely normal when you face the champions of Europe,” Slot told reporters on Monday.

“In the 49 home games we have played under me, 36 times we were able to score two goals or more.

“Yes, we have not played all these 49 games against Paris Saint-Germain, I realise that, but the Premier League and Champions League opponents we had were very strong.

“So there is a belief we can do special things tomorrow but we need to be very, very, very special to achieve that.”

Slot has come under mounting scrutiny following Liverpool’s woeful defence of the Premier League title and its embarrassing FA Cup quarterfinal exit in a 4-0 thrashing at Manchester City.

After three successive defeats against Brighton, City and PSG, Liverpool kept the critics at bay, for a few days at least, with a 2-0 win against Fulham on Saturday.

But a tame exit from the Champions League would intensify the pressure on Slot ahead of Sunday’s Merseyside derby at Everton.

Start aggressive

Slot knows Liverpool needs to at least put up a better fight than in Paris, where it struggled to retain possession and rarely troubled the PSG defence.

“We are playing the champions of Europe so that makes the task more difficult but not impossible,” he said.

“For now let’s just focus on the job on hand, start aggressive and make sure we can get back in the tie.

“Even Saturday showed how important a goal is… minutes (later) we scored the second. That is what football is about, a goal can change the momentum, which happened negatively for us at Manchester City.”

While Slot was criticised for Liverpool’s passive first-leg performance, the Reds boss insisted his side could win with a similar approach at Anfield.

ALSO READ | Atletico needs ‘personality’ to prevent Barca comeback, says Koke

“People probably find it very hard what I am about to say now but the approach is not so different tomorrow than it was in Paris. For the people who know me I never tell them to play in a low block for 90 minutes,” he said.

“You could see we pressed them high on multiple occasions. Unfortunately, seven or eight of those moments led them to being one-on-one with our goalkeeper.

“The last time we faced each other they had the ball for 76 percent of the time, so that’s the first thing we have to change tomorrow, to have the ball more.

“If we have it more then it’s nice to have the attacking threat on the pitch and that’s what we will have tomorrow.”

Published on Apr 13, 2026

#UEFA #Champions #League #Liverpool #special #night #stun #PSG #Slot

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