×
IPL 2026: In Kohli’s backyard, RCB holds all the aces against host DC Delhi Capitals’ (DC) performance against Punjab Kings on Saturday in the Indian Premier League (IPL) had the fluctuations of a volatile stock market.So wildly did it oscillate from the sublime to the ridiculous, as an exemplary batting effort to amass 264 for two — DC’s highest total in IPL history — was followed by a horror show with the ball and in the field. While the bowling appeared rudderless on a pitch that played better than expected, the malaise of dropped catches spread like wildfire, allowing Shreyas Iyer and Prabhsimran Singh to make merry with half-centuries.Dispiriting as that was, Axar Patel’s men have little time to contemplate, given that they run into another formidable opponent in Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday.READ | Krunal changing the landscape of finger-spin in IPL: RCB’s KarthikBesides Royal Challengers oozing with confidence after five wins from seven matches, Capitals’ task is compounded by the likelihood of the defending champion enjoying a lion’s share of the support. Virat Kohli, the one constant in RCB’s ever-evolving set-up, may no longer be living here, but residents of the national capital continue to exhibit fierce loyalty to a superstar whose formative years can be traced to the by-lanes of west Delhi.More importantly, the 37-year-old is showing no sign of slowing down in white-ball cricket. Despite prolonged breaks from competitive cricket following his Test retirement last year, his impact for the southern franchise hasn’t dimmed in the slightest — 328 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 163.18 is proof. Delhi Capitals’ disappointing outing against Punjab was summed up by Karun Nair’s two drop catches of Shreyas Iyer. | Photo Credit: RV MOORTHY Delhi Capitals’ disappointing outing against Punjab was summed up by Karun Nair’s two drop catches of Shreyas Iyer. | Photo Credit: RV MOORTHY The former skipper will be given company by Jacob Bethell at the top of the order. With Phil Salt yet to recover from injury, Bethell, who was drafted in for the last game, will get another chance to step up.Other than that, RCB’s combination looks well-settled. The same cannot be said of Capitals, who are in desperate need of a win to shrug off Saturday’s erratic display.Published on Apr 26, 2026 #IPL #Kohlis #backyard #RCB #holds #aces #host

IPL 2026: In Kohli’s backyard, RCB holds all the aces against host DC

Delhi Capitals’ (DC) performance against Punjab Kings on Saturday in the Indian Premier League (IPL) had the fluctuations of a volatile stock market.

So wildly did it oscillate from the sublime to the ridiculous, as an exemplary batting effort to amass 264 for two — DC’s highest total in IPL history — was followed by a horror show with the ball and in the field. While the bowling appeared rudderless on a pitch that played better than expected, the malaise of dropped catches spread like wildfire, allowing Shreyas Iyer and Prabhsimran Singh to make merry with half-centuries.

Dispiriting as that was, Axar Patel’s men have little time to contemplate, given that they run into another formidable opponent in Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday.

READ | Krunal changing the landscape of finger-spin in IPL: RCB’s Karthik

Besides Royal Challengers oozing with confidence after five wins from seven matches, Capitals’ task is compounded by the likelihood of the defending champion enjoying a lion’s share of the support. Virat Kohli, the one constant in RCB’s ever-evolving set-up, may no longer be living here, but residents of the national capital continue to exhibit fierce loyalty to a superstar whose formative years can be traced to the by-lanes of west Delhi.

More importantly, the 37-year-old is showing no sign of slowing down in white-ball cricket. Despite prolonged breaks from competitive cricket following his Test retirement last year, his impact for the southern franchise hasn’t dimmed in the slightest — 328 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 163.18 is proof.

IPL 2026: In Kohli’s backyard, RCB holds all the aces against host DC Delhi Capitals’ (DC) performance against Punjab Kings on Saturday in the Indian Premier League (IPL) had the fluctuations of a volatile stock market.So wildly did it oscillate from the sublime to the ridiculous, as an exemplary batting effort to amass 264 for two — DC’s highest total in IPL history — was followed by a horror show with the ball and in the field. While the bowling appeared rudderless on a pitch that played better than expected, the malaise of dropped catches spread like wildfire, allowing Shreyas Iyer and Prabhsimran Singh to make merry with half-centuries.Dispiriting as that was, Axar Patel’s men have little time to contemplate, given that they run into another formidable opponent in Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday.READ | Krunal changing the landscape of finger-spin in IPL: RCB’s KarthikBesides Royal Challengers oozing with confidence after five wins from seven matches, Capitals’ task is compounded by the likelihood of the defending champion enjoying a lion’s share of the support. Virat Kohli, the one constant in RCB’s ever-evolving set-up, may no longer be living here, but residents of the national capital continue to exhibit fierce loyalty to a superstar whose formative years can be traced to the by-lanes of west Delhi.More importantly, the 37-year-old is showing no sign of slowing down in white-ball cricket. Despite prolonged breaks from competitive cricket following his Test retirement last year, his impact for the southern franchise hasn’t dimmed in the slightest — 328 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 163.18 is proof. Delhi Capitals’ disappointing outing against Punjab was summed up by Karun Nair’s two drop catches of Shreyas Iyer. | Photo Credit: RV MOORTHY Delhi Capitals’ disappointing outing against Punjab was summed up by Karun Nair’s two drop catches of Shreyas Iyer. | Photo Credit: RV MOORTHY The former skipper will be given company by Jacob Bethell at the top of the order. With Phil Salt yet to recover from injury, Bethell, who was drafted in for the last game, will get another chance to step up.Other than that, RCB’s combination looks well-settled. The same cannot be said of Capitals, who are in desperate need of a win to shrug off Saturday’s erratic display.Published on Apr 26, 2026 #IPL #Kohlis #backyard #RCB #holds #aces #host

Delhi Capitals’ disappointing outing against Punjab was summed up by Karun Nair’s two drop catches of Shreyas Iyer. | Photo Credit: RV MOORTHY

lightbox-info

Delhi Capitals’ disappointing outing against Punjab was summed up by Karun Nair’s two drop catches of Shreyas Iyer. | Photo Credit: RV MOORTHY

The former skipper will be given company by Jacob Bethell at the top of the order. With Phil Salt yet to recover from injury, Bethell, who was drafted in for the last game, will get another chance to step up.

Other than that, RCB’s combination looks well-settled. The same cannot be said of Capitals, who are in desperate need of a win to shrug off Saturday’s erratic display.

Published on Apr 26, 2026

#IPL #Kohlis #backyard #RCB #holds #aces #host

Sports news , , , , , , , , , , ,

Delhi Capitals’ (DC) performance against Punjab Kings on Saturday in the Indian Premier League (IPL) had the fluctuations of a volatile stock market.

So wildly did it oscillate from the sublime to the ridiculous, as an exemplary batting effort to amass 264 for two — DC’s highest total in IPL history — was followed by a horror show with the ball and in the field. While the bowling appeared rudderless on a pitch that played better than expected, the malaise of dropped catches spread like wildfire, allowing Shreyas Iyer and Prabhsimran Singh to make merry with half-centuries.

Dispiriting as that was, Axar Patel’s men have little time to contemplate, given that they run into another formidable opponent in Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday.

READ | Krunal changing the landscape of finger-spin in IPL: RCB’s Karthik

Besides Royal Challengers oozing with confidence after five wins from seven matches, Capitals’ task is compounded by the likelihood of the defending champion enjoying a lion’s share of the support. Virat Kohli, the one constant in RCB’s ever-evolving set-up, may no longer be living here, but residents of the national capital continue to exhibit fierce loyalty to a superstar whose formative years can be traced to the by-lanes of west Delhi.

More importantly, the 37-year-old is showing no sign of slowing down in white-ball cricket. Despite prolonged breaks from competitive cricket following his Test retirement last year, his impact for the southern franchise hasn’t dimmed in the slightest — 328 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 163.18 is proof.

Delhi Capitals’ disappointing outing against Punjab was summed up by Karun Nair’s two drop catches of Shreyas Iyer.
| Photo Credit:
RV MOORTHY

lightbox-info

Delhi Capitals’ disappointing outing against Punjab was summed up by Karun Nair’s two drop catches of Shreyas Iyer.
| Photo Credit:
RV MOORTHY

The former skipper will be given company by Jacob Bethell at the top of the order. With Phil Salt yet to recover from injury, Bethell, who was drafted in for the last game, will get another chance to step up.

Other than that, RCB’s combination looks well-settled. The same cannot be said of Capitals, who are in desperate need of a win to shrug off Saturday’s erratic display.

Published on Apr 26, 2026

Source link
#IPL #Kohlis #backyard #RCB #holds #aces #host

Tag
Previous post

Deadspin | Josh Jung, Rangers shoot for series win vs. Athletics <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28781572.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28781572.jpg" alt="MLB: Pittsburgh Pirates at Texas Rangers" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 21, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung (6) throws out Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Nick Yorke (not pictured) at first base during the ninth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Josh Jung is having an April to remember for the Texas Rangers, who will face the Athletics in the rubber match of a three-game series on Sunday afternoon in Arlington, Texas.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Jung continued his hot streak with a go-ahead, two-run homer in the sixth inning of Saturday’s 4-3 victory. The win moved Texas one game over .500 and into a tie for first place in the American League West with the Athletics.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>After going 0-for-17 in March, Jung is batting .371 with four homers and 14 RBIs in 20 April games. He said after Saturday’s contest that he remains focused on improving his approach at the plate.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>“I think I could (improve) every night,” Jung said. “There’s a couple of at-bats I wish I could have back. But that (homer) was in a big spot. Over this little stretch I’ve been on, I’ve been able to execute. Every day is a battle to get in there and execute. You get four or five at-bats, and how many can you win.”</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Sunday’s pitching matchup will feature a pair of right-handers as the Rangers’ Kumar Rocker (1-1, 3.48 ERA) faces J.T. Ginn (0-0, 3.74).</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Rocker retired 13 consecutive hitters at one point and allowed one run across six innings in a 5-1 home win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>“One of the best parts was, after the first inning, he put up five zeros,” Texas manager Skip Schumaker said. “To keep us in the game and then provide the innings after that, and just kind of shut the momentum down on their side, was a huge step for him.”</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Rocker owns a 19-to-8 strikeout-to-walk ratio in four starts this season covering 20 2/3 innings.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-9"> <p>Shea Langeliers is 3-for-6 against Rocker, who is 0-2 with an 8.18 ERA in three career starts vs. the Athletics.</p> </section> <section id="section-10"> <p>Ginn allowed three runs over 5 1/3 innings in a no-decision against the Seattle Mariners on Monday. The A’s won 6-4.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>“It was a solid outing for J.T.,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said. “Any time a young guy goes out and gives up some (early) contact, it’s easy for things to kind of unwind. But I was impressed by how he finished. His sinker had a lot of life.”</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Jung has two homers in eight at-bats against Ginn, who is 1-1 with a 4.62 ERA in five career starts vs. Texas.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>The Athletics are looking to bounce back after losing Saturday despite out-hitting the Rangers 7-5.</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>“We came out and took some great at-bats,” Kotsay said. “Sometimes you’ve got to tip your cap to the other starter, who gave them five good innings and kept us at three runs. Offensively, we just didn’t add onto the lead and give ourselves any margin for error.”</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz tied a franchise record by drawing a walk in his 15th consecutive game.</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>Kotsay is monitoring the status of designated hitter Brent Rooker, who has not played since April 9 because of a right oblique strain and is nearing a return to the lineup. Kotsay said Rooker might not need a rehab assignment and could rejoin the team in the next few days.</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Josh #Jung #Rangers #shoot #series #win #Athletics

Next post

Red Sox Fire Alex Cora: What It Means for Boston’s Future | Deadspin.com <div id="section-1"> <p>One blowout victory wasn’t going to fix all of the problems the Boston Red Sox were having, though it still could serve as a springboard to better times after <a href="https://deadspin.com/mlb-playoff-teams-off-to-shocking-slow-starts-in-2026/" target="_blank">they started the season</a> 10-17.</p><p>On the other hand, maybe “springboard” is a poor choice of words, considering the Red Sox front office used a catapult Saturday on manager Alex Cora and several of his coaches after a 17-1 victory against the Baltimore Orioles.</p><p>It certainly was funny timing for the front office to can the skipper, given the offense finally breaking out after a dreadful start, not to mention a strong performance by ace left-hander Garrett Crochet, who also had begun inconsistently. Of all days to do it. Sportsradar reported that it was the first time since 1887 that an <a href="https://deadspin.com/which-mlb-manager-will-be-fired-first-four-managers-on-the-hot-seat-already/" target="_blank">MLB team fired the manager</a> the same day their team won by at least 16 runs. Hey, maybe next time don’t score so much. It only draws attention.</p><p>But the Red Sox must have been thinking about changing managers for a while. Cora, who led the Red Sox to a World Series championship as a rookie manager in 2018, was fired after failing to reproduce his initial success. Boston went as far as Game 6 of the ALCS in 2021, but never finished higher than second place in the AL East after Cora’s first season. The Red Sox currently are working on their third last-place finish since since 2022.</p><p>Cora is often regarded as one of the best managers in the league when anyone takes a poll of players. Some media types have been trying to land Cora his next job, with the Philadelphia Phillies or New York Mets. Still, his reputation took a hit ever since he sat out the 2020 season as punishment for his involvement in the Houston Astros cheating scandal, when he was bench coach.</p><p>Cora bears some responsibility for the Red Sox underachieving, as any manager would, though the organization’s dysfunction reaches well beyond the dugout. Craig Breslow has been the general manager <a href="https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2026/04/former-red-sox-outfielder-says-team-should-have-fired-craig-breslow.html" target="_blank">since October 2023</a>, meaning he’s responsible for a .500 season in 2024, the 89 wins and AL Wild Card berth in ’25, and what’s happened so far this season. Definitely a mixed bag.</p><p>But the same goes for owner John Henry, who has been in charge for the organization’s entire golden era, which includes titles in 2004, 2007, 2013, and ’18. Those trophies alone should cement him as a local hero, but somehow they don’t. Henry has been criticized for appearing to lose interest in the Red Sox occasionally, preferring instead to dabble in Premier League Soccer, the NHL, NASCAR, music halls and whatever else that isn’t baseball. Many fans would prefer that he sell the baseball team.</p><p>Red Sox payroll the past five seasons averages 12th or 13th in MLB. That’s in contrast to them having 17 payrolls in the top five or better in the 20 seasons before that. Henry definitely doesn’t put into the Red Sox what he used to, and it shows in the standings. No less damning, it just seems like few organizations do less with more than the Red Sox.</p><p>Cora told the media he feels “happy” now that the ax has fallen, which feeds into outsider perceptions of organizational dysfunction being the bigger issue. It is possible the Red Sox golden era has ended, which means even the best managerial candidates will find themselves at the mercy of how focused ownership can stay on baseball.</p> </div> #Red #Sox #Fire #Alex #Cora #Means #Bostons #Future #Deadspin.com

Related Posts

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

Post Comment