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The LA28 Olympics has opened ticket sales globally after a record-setting first week of local presales, underscoring strong early demand for the Games. The organisers reported that they sold more tickets in the first week than any previous Olympic Games had in their opening week.The initial phase of ticket sales was limited to residents of the Los Angeles and Oklahoma City areas, with hundreds of thousands of $28 tickets snapped up by local buyers. However, some buyers complained about high costs and fees, and a lack of ticket availability.“The success of the locals presale speaks for itself,” LA28 CEO Reynold Hoover said in a statement. “We’re thrilled by the level of interest and enthusiasm in tickets to the Games.”The global sales launch, known as “Drop 1,” runs through April 19 for fans who were selected through a draw and assigned time slots. Tickets are available across Olympic events, including the opening and closing ceremonies.Organisers acknowledged that some fans experienced sticker shock after a marketing push around the $28 entry-level tickets, only to find many of the cheapest seats had already gone quickly or that some events were priced much higher.Allison Katz-Mayfield, LA28’s senior vice president for games delivery revenue, told the Reuters news agency that the outcome was not unexpected because the least expensive tickets were always likely to move fastest.“We really wanted to make sure that the locals had access to the most affordable tickets, and we saw that come to life through this presale,” she said, adding that more low-cost inventory would be released in future sales phases.LA28 said more than 1 million tickets priced at $28 will ultimately be made available to the public. Nearly half of all Olympic tickets are priced under $200, while more than three-quarters, including finals, are less than $400. Only about 5 percent of tickets cost more than $1,000, organisers said.The organising committee is under pressure to show it can deliver a fiscally responsible Games without burdening taxpayers, who could be on the hook for cost overruns. LA28 has said its more than $7bn operation will be funded principally through ticket sales, sponsorship and hospitality.

Afan Cizmic, a 14-year-old ball boy, has been hailed as a hero in Bosnia and Herzegovina for his quick thinking during a crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier playoff final against Italy.On March 31, Cizmic was deployed at the Bilino Polje Stadium in Zenica when he noticed Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma reading from a piece of paper tucked behind a towel. Realising it contained information on Bosnian penalty takers, Cizmic took the note and ran away from the goal.When the penalty shootout got under way, Donnarumma failed to save any of the four penalties he faced, and his teammates missed three of theirs, handing Bosnia a place in the global showpiece.Whether Cizmic's little trick played a role in the final scoreline remains unknown, but the teenage boy is being hailed as a hero in Bosnia, with fans urging the national team to take him along to the World Cup.Cizmic has been called on to football shows, interviewed by international media, and photographed at the venue where Bosnia created history by ensuring Italy became the only former champions to miss their third World Cup in a row.Recalling the moment he saw the paper, Cizmic says that he hesitated at first but ultimately decided to act on his instinct. "I saw where he left the paper and that he was reading from it. I thought about whether I should take it or not. Then I said, 'Whatever happens, happens,' and I took it," he told Turkish news agency Anadolu.While Donnarumma did not see Cizmic walk away, the Italian goalkeeper was left fuming when he could not find the paper and attempted to snatch his opposite number's penalty shootout notes in a tit-for-tat move.Cizmic believes Donnarumma's frustration confirmed his ploy had an impact on the game. "I was happy because I saw he got angry and lost concentration," he said.In the hours and days after Bosnia's win, Cizmic's act led to social media debates as well as national news. Despite mixed reactions on social media, he dismissed criticism, saying any fan would have done the same."If we were playing in Italy, someone would have done it to our goalkeeper, Nikola Vasilj, too," he said.The now-famous ball boy proudly carries the note, enclosed in a plastic cover, as a memorabilia item and takes it along for media appearances. He also announced that the paper will be auctioned, with all proceeds going to charity.Cizmic, who is a youth footballer with local club Celik Zenica, dreams of wearing the Bosnian national team jersey one day.His father, Emir Cizmic, said he was proud of his son, emphasising that ball boys are not just spectators but can affect the rhythm and outcome of matches.

Paris Saint-Germain's defense of their UEFA Champions League title remains on track after a commanding 2-0 win against Liverpool in the quarterfinals' first leg.The French side took an early lead through a deflected effort by Desire Doue in the 11th minute, which looped over Liverpool's goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.Liverpool, already out of their English Premier League title defense, struggled to respond but managed to stay in the game until halftime. However, the second half was a different story, with PSG dominating the match.Khvicha Kvaratskhelia doubled PSG's lead in the 65th minute with a well-taken goal, dribbling into the box and rounding the keeper.PSG registered 18 shots throughout the game, with six on target, while Liverpool managed only three shots, none of which were on target.Liverpool manager Arne Slot acknowledged his team's struggles, stating, "We should be grateful we only lost 2-0; they had so many chances."The win puts PSG in a strong position ahead of the second leg at Anfield next Tuesday, where Liverpool will need a special performance to overturn the deficit.

Atletico Madrid stunned Barcelona 2-0 in their Champions League quarterfinal first-leg match, with Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth scoring crucial goals at Camp Nou on Wednesday.The La Liga leaders dominated the game after Pau Cubarsi was sent off for bringing down Atletico's Giuliano Simeone, who was through on goal. Alvarez whipped home a free kick, and Sorloth doubled their advantage with 20 minutes remaining, giving Atletico a strong chance of reaching the semifinals.Diego Simeone's side, who have never won the competition, reached the 2014 and 2016 finals but were beaten by rivals Real Madrid on both occasions. Barca, semifinalists last season, need a huge comeback next Tuesday in Madrid to stand a chance of lifting the trophy they last won in 2015.Barcelona started well, with Marcus Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, their main threat down the left. However, Atletico's defense held strong, and they capitalized on Cubarsi's red card to secure the win.Atletico knocked Barca out of the Copa del Rey in the semifinals in March, and this was the second of three meetings between the sides in a space of two weeks. The win gives Atletico a significant advantage ahead of the second leg next Tuesday.

Barcelona secured a 2‑0 advantage over Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano, setting up a high‑stakes Champions League quarter‑final second leg. The win followed a 2‑1 league victory against the same opponents, where Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski scored late goals to clinch the La Liga title. After the match, Diego Simeone approached Hansi Flick with a reminder to return, underscoring the rivalry that will see the teams clash three times in ten days. The upcoming return fixture at Camp Nou promises a tougher battle than the opening encounter. Rashford’s performance was described by Spanish outlets as “hyperactive” and an “exhibition of speed.” He generated seven shots in the first hour alone, including a disallowed goal, multiple attempts saved by goalkeeper Juan Musso, and a free‑kick that struck the bar. His relentless wing play forced the opposition to defend deeper, highlighting his impact beyond the scoreboard. Statistically, Rashford has become Barcelona’s most prolific loanee this season: five goals and four assists in ten Champions League games, and he has reached double figures for both goals and assists across all competitions – a first for any player in Spain this campaign. The loan, secured for €30 million (£26 million) with an option to buy, was initially motivated by Barcelona’s need for a versatile forward who could operate across the front line. The club previously pursued Nico Williams and Luis Díaz, but Rashford’s deal offered a quicker, more economical solution amid La Liga’s salary‑cap constraints. While he started the season as a backup, injuries to Raphinha and form dips from Ferran Torres and Lewandowski opened opportunities. Coach Flick has primarily deployed Rashford on the left flank, though he was briefly positioned as a centre‑forward during the Atletico match. Despite his contributions, Flick cautions that Rashford must improve his defensive work‑rate, a point emphasized by the coach before the game: “We know Marcus is fantastic with the ball, but defending is also part of the game.” Historically, overturning a 2‑0 first‑leg deficit in the Champions League is rare – only one team has succeeded. This reality adds pressure on Barcelona to protect their lead, while Simeone’s side will aim to exploit any complacency. Looking ahead, the club faces a strategic decision: whether to activate the €30 million buy clause and secure Rashford permanently. United have labelled the fee as non‑negotiable, but Barcelona’s limited budget and the desire to convert a successful loan into a long‑term asset make the negotiation critical. Rashford himself remains optimistic, stating he enjoys the new environment and culture in Catalonia. As the second leg looms, his “hyperactive” energy and willingness to take responsibility could prove decisive for Barcelona’s quest to reach the Champions League semi‑finals.

Nottingham Forest secured a crucial draw against Porto in the Europa League quarterfinal, with a comical own goal by Porto defender Martim Fernandes giving Forest a vital equalizer. The match ended 1-1, with Forest's Chris Wood returning from a six-month injury layoff and registering 48 minutes on the pitch.The New Zealand striker was withdrawn at halftime, with manager Vitor Pereira mindful of the bigger picture and Sunday's Premier League match against Aston Villa. Pereira handed Wood a starting berth, and although he had a quiet game with just 11 touches in the first half, his presence on the pitch was a boost for Forest.Porto took the lead through William Gomes, who converted Gabriel Veiga's diagonal pass into the box. However, Fernandes's comical own goal leveled the score, with the Porto defender beating Diogo Costa with a blind back pass from close to halfway.Forest began sloppily, but Pereira's substitutions and tactical changes helped the team regain control. The draw sets up a tense second leg at the City Ground next Thursday, with Forest seeking to advance to their first continental semi-final since 1984.

Spring brought a burst of optimism to Crystal Palace as they delivered a 3‑0 victory over Fiorentina in the first leg of the Europa Conference League quarter‑final. Forward Jean‑Philippe Mateta opened the scoring from the spot on his first start since the end of January, followed by a second‑half strike from Tyrick Mitchell and a late header from Ismaïla Sarr.The win marks a dramatic turnaround for a side that had struggled to impress at home in the competition. After a three‑week preparation window, manager Oliver Glasner implemented a disciplined game plan that saw Palace dominate possession and create clear chances, underscoring his reputation for knockout‑stage success.Fiorentina, who have reached the last eight for four straight seasons and lost two finals, were unable to respond before the break and now face a daunting task in the second leg in Florence. Even after Mateta missed a late sitter, Sarr’s header restored a three‑goal cushion, meaning the Italians must produce a “miraculous” comeback to stay alive.Mateta’s performance also silenced speculation surrounding his future. The French striker, who failed a medical with AC Milan in January, was greeted with applause after his penalty and could have added a hat‑trick after replacing the suspended Jørgen Strand Larsen.Defender Daniel Muñoz returned to full fitness after a prolonged knee injury, adding stability to a backline that kept Fiorentina’s attacks at bay. The Colombian’s presence allowed Palace to maintain pressure, with Muñoz delivering an acrobatic assist that led to Mateta’s penalty.The match also featured a quirky moment when goalkeeper David de Gea had to clear a mass of streamers from his net, a reminder of the passionate Holmesdale End supporters.Looking ahead, Palace will travel to Florence for the return leg, where they will aim to protect their advantage and secure a place in the semi‑finals – a historic milestone in the club’s first European campaign.

For many supporters, the final weeks of the football calendar feel both interminably long and suddenly over. The emotional roller‑coaster is now hitting two very different clubs at opposite ends of the English pyramid.Cambridge United have unexpectedly dropped out of the automatic promotion spots in League Two, just as the run‑in intensifies. Their recent draw against Swindon and a late‑minute error by keeper Jake Eastwood at Cheltenham have left them scrambling for points, with upcoming fixtures against Notts County and league leaders Bromley looming.Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur appear to be heading for a relegation battle. A 3‑0 defeat to Nottingham Forest has left them winless in the league since late December, and they sit perilously close to the bottom three as they prepare for a Sunday clash at the Stadium of Light.The club’s turmoil is compounded by the recent appointment of Roberto De Zerbi. While his résumé includes a solitary win in 13 games at Palermo, no victories in nine outings at Benevento, and just two points from five matches at Brighton, his impact at Tottenham remains uncertain. His early apology over comments about Mason Greenwood has done little to soothe a fanbase already on edge.Supporters across the country are feeling the same strain. From West Ham’s uneasy anticipation of a Wolves encounter to Liverpool fans fearing a slip below Everton, the anxiety is universal. Even lower‑league followers—whether in Ipswich, Middlesbrough, Oxford, Leicester, Harrogate, Barrow or Newport—are caught in the same cycle of hope and dread as promotion and playoff hopes hang in the balance.Amid the gloom, a few clubs enjoy relative peace. Fans of Paris Saint‑Germain and Bayern Munich can likely breathe easier, while clubs like Coventry and Lincoln savor modest successes.In the end, the season’s drama underscores a simple truth for football lovers: the joy of the game is inseparable from its inevitable panic, frustration, and the ever‑present possibility of triumph—or heartbreak—just around the corner.

Virgil van Dijk drew a direct parallel between Liverpool’s current Champions League challenge against Paris Saint‑Germain and the club’s famous comeback against Barcelona in 2019, but warned that belief in the squad may be waning under new manager Arne Slot.Liverpool entered the quarter‑final with a 2‑0 deficit after a lackluster first‑leg loss at the Parc des Princes. Van Dijk, however, remains 100% convinced that a dramatic Anfield turnaround is still possible, citing the memory of overturning a 3‑0 first‑leg loss to Barcelona and winning 4‑0 at home.Reflecting on the 2019 semi‑final, the Dutch defender said, “We faced one of the best teams in Europe with the best player in the world, and we were injured. Now we face the European champions again, and on paper no one gives us a chance.” He stressed that success hinges on self‑belief, the manager’s game plan, and relentless intensity from the first minute to the last.Van Dijk also addressed Liverpool’s broader season, which has already produced 16 defeats across all competitions, including a penalty shoot‑out loss in the Community Shield and a recent FA Cup quarter‑final exit to Manchester City. “It’s unacceptable,” he said, describing the inconsistency as “disappointing” and acknowledging that the current squad does not match the standards set during the Klopp era.Despite the setbacks, the captain highlighted a positive sign: the team’s resilience in the previous Champions League rounds, notably the comeback against Galatasaray in the last‑16 and a strong showing against PSG at Anfield last season. He warned that “everything has to click” against a PSG side that excels in every department.Slot’s tactical shift to a three‑man central defence was only practiced for two days before the Paris match, adding to the challenges. Van Dijk admitted that recent league defeats, starting with a 2‑1 loss at Brighton, have tested the squad’s morale, but he remains hopeful that the experience gained in earlier European ties can fuel a decisive second‑leg performance.