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Real Mallorca delivered a stunning upset to Real Madrid, winning 2‑1 thanks to an added‑time strike from Vedat Muriqi. The victory pushes the champions to four points behind Barcelona ahead of their upcoming clash with Atlético Madrid.The match began with Mallorca absorbing early pressure; goalkeeper Leo Román denied Kylian Mbappé twice with diving saves. Mallorca took the lead in the 42nd minute when Manu Morlanes headed home a cross from Pablo Maffeo.Real responded late, with Éder Militão—returning from a hamstring injury—equalising in the 88th minute. Just three minutes later, Muriqi, the league’s second‑highest scorer behind Mbappé, netted the winner, marking Mallorca’s first triumph over Real in three years and lifting them two points above the relegation zone.Muriqi, who had faced criticism after Kosovo’s World Cup qualifying loss, broke down in tears after the final whistle, saying, "Sometimes emotions get the better of you… I’m just happy to repay the supporters, we want to stay in this division for them."In Germany, Bayern Munich staged a dramatic comeback, scoring three goals in the final nine minutes to edge Freiburg 3‑2. Tom Bischof equalised, and Lennart Karl clinched the winner in stoppage time, despite the absence of injured striker Harry Kane. Bayern now travel to Real Madrid for their Champions League quarter‑final first leg.Freiburg had opened the scoring early in the second half with a long‑range strike from Johan Manzambi, and later doubled the lead via a Lucas Hoeler volley after a corner error by Manuel Neuer. However, Bayern’s late surge erased the deficit.Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund secured a 2‑0 away win at VfB Stuttgart with late goals from Karim Adeyemi and Julian Brandt. The victory keeps Dortmund in second place on 64 points, nine behind Bayern, while Stuttgart slips to fourth.In Italy, Massimiliano Allegri of AC Milan reiterated his focus on the club, dismissing any immediate interest in the vacant Italy national team manager role after Gennaro Gattuso stepped down following a World Cup playoff defeat.

As the 2026 local and regional elections draw nearer, the spectre of Trussonomics looms large over the British political landscape. From the Conservatives to the Greens, parties are unveiling extravagant fiscal promises that they claim can be funded by cuts elsewhere or additional borrowing, while insisting the broader economy will remain unharmed. Critics warn that any adverse effects will inevitably be shifted onto people and businesses outside the parties' core constituencies, effectively socialising the risk. Only Keir Starmer and his Labour cabinet appear to resist the pressure to re‑engineer the economy without acknowledging inevitable spill‑overs or extra costs. Former Prime Minister Liz Truss famously pledged £45 bn of tax cuts, financed through extra borrowing and so‑called welfare “efficiencies”. The plan was pitched as a catalyst for an entrepreneurial surge that would lift the UK out of a prolonged period of low productivity. Heading into May’s local polls, the Conservatives are touting a new “big‑spending” agenda after recent welfare cuts, highlighted by a headline pledge to shrink the welfare bill by £23 bn. Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride declared that the “culture of ‘something for nothing’ must end, now”. Green Party leader Zack Polanski has softened some of his party’s more radical proposals, yet the manifesto remains vague. Earlier drafts featured a litany of “free lunches”, signalling an ambition to raise taxes by **more than £170 bn a year** by the end of the next parliament. Key components of the Green plan include a £90 bn annual carbon tax and a matching increase in day‑to‑day public spending, alongside a proposed £90 bn boost to the capital‑spending budget (raising it from £160 bn to £250 bn per year). Reform UK has embraced Trussonomics with gusto, promising to raise the income‑tax threshold from £12,570 to £20,000 – a move that would cost the exchequer **over £40 bn each year**. Underlying many of these pledges is a belief that the UK can reverse a century of economic decline with a “magician’s wand”, ignoring potential repercussions for financial markets, trading partners, and a rapidly disintegrating global order. While the article briefly references the United States and France, the French electorate’s recent rejection of similarly flamboyant policies in local elections serves as a cautionary tale: voters in key cities like Paris and Marseille opted for centrist candidates over the radical platforms of Marine Le Pen’s National Rally and Jean‑Luc Mélenchon’s LFI. The broader context is a decade marked by two major wars, a quantum technological shift, and accelerating climate change – none of which offer quick‑fix solutions. Labour’s economic strategy, championed by Rachel Reeves, hinges on an early‑parliament spending surge intended to generate growth before the next general election. However, the damage inflicted by the previous government is still being reassessed, with the public‑finance gap now appearing larger than the £22 bn initially highlighted by Reeves. Labour still holds considerable funds earmarked for investment, but bureaucratic inertia in Whitehall hampers swift action, and Starmer bears responsibility for this paralysis. Demonstrating tangible returns on public spending – with HS2 currently the sole benchmark – could justify future tax increases on higher earners, provided the money is not wasted. In an uncertain world, the article argues that rational, evidence‑based governance is preferable to “outlandish initiatives” that create a multitude of losers. Ultimately, the piece concludes that Truss’s experiment was a disaster not merely because of the misguided belief that tax cuts can drive sustainable growth in a mature economy, but because it relied on an imagined “escape hatch” to propel the UK to a higher economic plane.

In what can only be described as a humiliating exit, Liverpool were beaten 4‑0 by Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter‑final, a result that has thrown the future of manager Arne Slot into further doubt.The Etihad crowd watched City dominate from the first whistle, with Erling Haaland completing a hat‑trick by the 57th minute. The Norwegian’s third came from open play after a series of defensive lapses, sealing a comprehensive victory that left Liverpool supporters emptying the upper tiers of the South Stand.Liverpool’s own chances were squandered. Mohamed Salah missed a late penalty, a rare misfire that underscored his waning influence. Earlier, Virgil van Dijk conceded his fourth penalty of the season – a stark contrast to the single penalty he had given up in his previous 319 Premier League appearances for the club.Mid‑fielder Dominik Szoboszlai offered a blunt self‑assessment after the match, stating, “The fighting spirit wasn’t there enough, the mentality wasn’t there enough. None of us were there to be honest as much as we could.” His words captured the collective lack of resolve that defined Liverpool’s performance.Beyond the immediate disappointment, the defeat raises the stakes for Slot’s upcoming Champions League quarter‑final first leg against Paris Saint‑Germain. With Liverpool still carrying the Premier League’s highest wage bill, the club’s hierarchy and fans will be watching closely to see whether the team can salvage the season or face a deeper crisis.The match exposed systemic issues: a static defense that allowed City’s left‑back Antoine Semenyo and striker Erling Haaland to exploit gaps, a goalkeeper positioning that appeared indecisive, and a general absence of leadership on the pitch. As the season progresses, the spotlight remains firmly on Slot, whose tenure now hinges on a single chance to revive Liverpool’s dwindling fortunes.

Erling Haaland completed his first Manchester City hat‑trick since August 2024, guiding the Citizens to a commanding 4‑0 lead against Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter‑finals.The Norwegian striker opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 39th minute, and despite a brief Liverpool resurgence, City extended the advantage before the hour mark. Haaland’s second goal arrived in first‑half added time, and his third – a deft finish after a penalty awarded for a foul on Virgil van Dijk – sealed the rout.Manchester City’s dominance was evident early, cruising to a 4‑0 advantage in just 57 minutes. Liverpool’s attempts, including missed chances from Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitiké, proved futile, highlighting a stark contrast in execution.For Liverpool manager Arne Slot, the defeat is a serious blow. The loss not only dents the club’s domestic credibility but also threatens his position ahead of a crucial Champions League quarter‑final against Paris Saint‑Germain. A repeat performance in Europe could force the owners to reassess his future.City’s head coach Pep Guardiola, serving a two‑game touchline ban, saw his side extend their record to an eighth consecutive FA Cup semi‑final appearance. Guardiola’s tactical setup – a 4‑2‑3‑1 with high‑pressing front four – effectively neutralised Liverpool’s nominal 4‑4‑2 formation.Key moments included a penalty awarded after Van Dijk’s challenge on Jérémy Doku's teammate Nico O’Reilly, and a second‑half strike from Haaland that capped a swift City sequence initiated by Matheus Nunes and Rayan Cherki.Beyond the scoreline, the match underscores Liverpool’s ongoing struggles, with Salah’s first appearance since announcing his departure ending in a missed penalty and a series of squandered opportunities. The result intensifies scrutiny on the club’s tactical direction and player morale.

Leeds United travel to West Ham for an FA Cup quarter‑final that both clubs would prefer to avoid, yet manager Daniel Farke is clear about his priorities. With an MA in economics and a diploma in sporting directorship, he stresses that Premier League survival is the club’s "bread and butter" and must come first.Off the pitch, the German‑born coach unwinds by immersing himself in literary fiction, counting Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude among his favourites.Farke’s dual role as a tactician and a storyteller raises the question of whether he can engineer a season that delivers both survival and cup glory. A successful double could make it hard for the Elland Road hierarchy to deny him the new contract he desires."I’m a big believer in cup competitions," Farke said, emphasizing that Leeds will approach the West Ham tie "very, very seriously". He added that the squad will start strong unless a player shows a physical issue, in which case they will be protected.The risk of fielding a first‑choice XI against a relegation rival mirrors the 2013 Wigan experience, when the club won the FA Cup but suffered relegation three days later – a bittersweet double that highlighted the fine line between triumph and disaster.Leeds have failed to win any of their last six Premier League matches, drawing four, a run that has stalled momentum. A victory could act as a catalyst to change the narrative as the season draws to a close.Injury concerns loom over striker Dominic Calvert‑Lewin, who is undergoing a hamstring scan. The England international, who netted seven goals in six games at the end of 2025, has managed only two league goals this season. A fit Calvert‑Lewin could revive Leeds’ hopes of reaching their first FA Cup semi‑final since 1987 and keep his World Cup aspirations alive.The goalkeeping position also remains unsettled. After losing his starting spot to Karl Darlow, Lucas Perri has featured solely in the FA Cup this year, leaving the decision on who starts for the West Ham tie open.Financial pressures add urgency to Farke’s decisions. Leeds’ latest accounts reveal a £49.2 million pre‑tax loss for the year ending June 2025, and a costly stadium expansion project that would be jeopardised by relegation. This backdrop explains the psychological blow of a 1‑0 loss to an under‑strength Sunderland side earlier in the month.Farke believes a deep FA Cup run could erase lingering self‑doubt. "If we secure Premier League survival and go further in the FA Cup, we can write a special chapter for this club," he said, urging his squad to seize the chance to make history.

A devastating incident unfolded at the Alejandro Villanueva Stadium in Lima, Peru, on Friday, claiming the life of one person and injuring dozens more. The event, which was a 'flag-waving' gathering, took place a day before a highly anticipated derby match between Alianza Lima and Universitario de Deportes.The Peruvian health minister, Juan Carlos Velasco Guerrero, confirmed the death and reported that 47 people were injured, with three in critical condition. Initial reports suggested that parts of the stadium's wall had collapsed, but officials later clarified that there were no structural failures.Alianza Lima expressed condolences for the casualties and pledged to cooperate fully with authorities to investigate the incident. The club promised 'total transparency' in the investigation.The Peruvian professional soccer league announced that Saturday's match would proceed as planned, emphasizing its commitment to ensuring safe environments for spectators. The league will continue to work closely with clubs and authorities to promote safety and wellbeing at sporting events.The Alejandro Villanueva Stadium, also known as Matute, was built in the 1970s and has a capacity of over 33,900 seats. Despite limited modernization, the stadium remains a 'fairly basic ground,' according to The Stadium Guide.

Will Sherman, a 22‑year‑old second‑row forward for Anthem Rugby Carolina, is quickly being labelled the next cornerstone of US rugby. The Charlotte‑based player combines a deep family legacy with a modern development pathway that could shape the national team ahead of the 2031 Rugby World Cup. Sherman’s rugby pedigree begins with his father, Wade Sherman, a member of the 1990s Cal Berkeley champion side that featured Mark Bingham – one of the heroic passengers on Flight 93. Wade’s own introduction to the sport came after a teenage trip to Australia’s Bondi Beach, where he and friends first saw the game and later founded a high‑school team in northern California before playing for Cal and BYU. He now serves as Will’s first coach. Raised in Utah’s vibrant Pacific Islander community, Sherman attended East High School, a hub for the state’s long‑standing rugby culture. Standing 6 ft 4 in and capable of playing both lock and flanker, he attributes his physicality and work ethic to the “hard‑knock” lessons learned on Utah pitches. After a stint at UCLA—where the club side operates with varsity‑level commitment but without the same resources—Sherman caught the eye of Australian coach Harry Bennett. Bennett’s mentorship helped Sherman earn a place on the US under‑23 tour of South Africa, a tour overseen by Argentine coach Agustín Cavalieri, now head coach at Anthem. In his MLR debut against the California Legion, Sherman logged roughly 50 minutes, received a yellow card for repeated infringements, and recorded 19 tackles. While impressive, it was eclipsed by the 36 tackles he made in a single match for Australia’s storied Randwick club last season, underscoring his rapid adaptation to elite competition. Anthem, backed by World Rugby as a development vehicle for the 2031 World Cup, endured a winless first two seasons (0‑32). The team finally broke the streak with a 39‑26 victory over the Legion, a game in which Sherman’s performance earned him the nickname “Wreck‑It Will” from college friends. Reflecting on the win, Sherman said the moment was “an amazing honor” and highlighted the broader significance: “Every game now feels like a first—our first win at home, our first win against Chicago—so the motivation keeps building.” He also praised the experience of matching up against veteran lock and Eagles captain Jason Damm, calling it “an honor to play against someone I’ve looked up to for so long.” Looking ahead, Anthem’s schedule includes a clash with the Chicago Hounds on ESPN+, a key step in the club’s quest to become a consistent pipeline for American talent ahead of the 2031 World Cup.

UCLA secured a hard-fought 51-44 win over Texas on Friday night, advancing to the national championship game of the women's NCAA Tournament for the first time. The Bruins, with a stellar season record of 36-1, were led by Lauren Betts, who scored 16 points and made a pivotal block in the final minutes to thwart Texas's late surge.The Bruins dominated their way to another national semi-final, boasting the best season in program history. Their path to the title game had to go through Texas, the only team to beat them this season. UCLA turned the tables on Texas, shutting down All-American Madison Booker and building a 13-point lead midway through the fourth quarter.Despite Texas's strong defensive showing, which included a 12-2 run that cut UCLA's lead to 47-44, Betts's crucial block with 20 seconds left halted the Longhorns' momentum. Kiki Rice then hit two free throws, securing the win and sending coach Cori Close's team into the title game.The grinding win earns the Bruins a spot in Sunday's title game against South Carolina, the three-time national champions who ended reigning champion UConn's undefeated season. This sets up an exciting matchup, especially after Geno Auriemma and Dawn Staley had a tense postgame exchange following South Carolina's shock win over UConn in the Final Four.For Texas, Madison Booker had a tough finish to an otherwise stellar season, hitting her first shot, missing her next 17, and finishing with six points on 3-of-23 shooting.

Comedian Bill Bailey stars in his new standup special 'Thoughtifier' on Channel 4 at 10pm. The show features a laser harp performance that blends humor and virtuosity. Bailey also explores topics like AI sea shanties and the teaspoon industry.In other TV highlights, Inside Britain's National Parks airs on BBC Two at 7:05pm, showcasing conservation efforts in Pembrokeshire. Celebrity Sabotage returns to ITV1 at 8pm, with Jill Scott as a guest saboteur.Sports fans can catch the Men's FA Cup Football match between Man City and Liverpool on TNT Sports 1 at 11:30am. The Champions Cup Rugby Union match between Bath and Saracens airs on Premier Sports 2 at 2pm.Film screenings include Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery on Comedy Central at 9pm and The Outfit on BBC One at 10:50pm.