I Dig Sports
DARLINGTON, S.C. Theres something special about going to Darlington Raceway for Chase Briscoe.
The Joe Gibbs Racing driver, who won last Septembers Southern 500 at the unique 1.336-mile track, has a fondness for the Track Too Tough To Tame.
Briscoe believes its a drivers track.
I feel like of all the race tracks we go to, this (Darlington Raceway) is definitely one as the driver, you feel like you make a little bit more of a difference, he explained. You know, its still very car-dependent for sure, but as a driver, I feel like this is one of those tracks thats kind of similar to Homestead (Homestead-Miami Speedway) where you can carry it multiple positions, because the (pause) what you do inside the race car is constantly changing.
Nobodys car is driving good, theres just things you can do in the car to find more than a tenth sometimes even two tenths, whereas at another tracks, youre just very hand-tied by what youre doing inside the race car. So, this track is definitely one of those tracks where you can do different things in the race car and I feel like this is also track where you see guys that typically run well here their entire career just because theres little things about this race track.
Briscoe says the balance of the race car is important at Darlington.
I would say for me the hardest thing is just been trying to understand the balance of the short run versus long run, and how hard to go at the beginning to not burn yourself up at the end, Briscoe said. Still definitely dont have that figured out but I feel like its always kind of been my biggest challenge here and felt like that especially in the Xfinity Series, I would be extremely fast on the short run, but I would pay for it in the long run. Just trying to do as much as I can to study you know the guys like Denny Hamlin and other guys that are so good, always here on the long run. So thats kind of I feel like my biggest challenge at this place, but you know theres a lot of challenges about this place as well.
Briscoe said returning to Darlington also brought back memories of his Southern 500 triumph last year during his final season with Stewart-Haas Racing.
Honestly, its still like a pinch me moment and one of those things that like I find myself every single week being like, man I cant believe I won that race! Its a major, its a crown jewel, Briscoe said. I was telling somebody the other week, I look at the names on the trophies and like I just feel like Im very undeserving. Theres all these Hall of Famers and like icons and legends of the sport, and then it says 2024, Chase Briscoe. Like the heck? Its weird truthfully.
Yeah, its definitely crazy. I feel like when I came back, like anytime you go when you won somewhere, you just walk in, youre a little more confident, you feel that difference. But I definitely think this place, it changes your confidence level more than anywhere else just because the respect within the garage and within the NASCAR community whenever you want it at Darlington, theres just a different level of appreciation for your talent, he noted. And thats something that I didnt realize until after I won the Southern 500 truthfully.
I remember the next week being on pit road at Atlanta and Dale Jarrett and all these guys come over to me just tell me how incredible it was. You just dont have that at other race tracks after you win a race. It definitely is a place where, when I pull in, especially now being the first time back, its definitely brings back a lot memories.
Gryazin On The Point Entering Final Day Of Rally Sierra Morena
Nikolay Gryazin will take his pursuit of a fifth FIA European Rally Championship career victory into Sundays deciding leg of the Rally Sierra Morena following a flying start to the 2025 season from the J2X Rally Team driver.
The Qualifying Stage pacesetter and Córdoba super special stage winner dropped time in the damp conditions on this mornings first two stages running first on the road. But he hit top form once again by winning the dry 27.19-kilometre Villaviciosa run to hold a lead of 10.9sec over home hero José Suárez at the midday service halt.
Driving a Michelin-equipped Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, Gryazin grew his advantage to 15.5sec by going quickest on SS6 before his electrifying charge through the repeat of Villaviciosa gave him an overnight lead of 28.8sec after he went fastest by 11.6sec.
It was quite good, we showed a good pace, Gryazin said. The problem was being first [on the road]. It gave a good advantage on the long stage [this morning] but it was a disadvantage on the first two stages because it was drying out, so we were not as fast as we wanted to be. The second pass was also not easy but for sure we can do better tomorrow.
Suárez holds second place overnight in another Michelin-shod Fabia with Frenchman Yoann Bonato third in a Citroën C3 Rally2, albeit just 4.9sec behind his Spanish rival.
Andrea Mabellini, who won SS3 to close to within 1.2sec of Gryazin, is fourth overnight with Mads Østberg demoting Efrén Llarena for fifth on SS7 after the 2022 ERC champion pulled up with steam rising from under the bonnet of his self-run C3 Rally2. It was a frustrating end to Llarenas challenge after he went fastest of all on SS5.
Østberg had problems of his own, however, the Norwegian reporting a pop-off valve issue after SS6 and a lack of engine power and a brake problem at the completion of SS7.
I have no power in the engine and I have a broken front caliper, Østberg said. I did the last seven kilometres without front brakes. We lost a lot of time. I dont know why it all happens at the same time, but thats how it is.
Miko Marczyk is sixth overnight with Robert Virves the leading Hankook runner in eighth place, one position behind Hyundai i20 N Rally2 driver Pepe López.
Stéphane Lefebvre is ninth for Team MRF Tyres with reigning Junior ERC champion Mille Johansson impressing on his step up to Rally2 level in 10th place.
Simone Tempestini and Jon Armstrong follow ahead of Simon Wagner, who completed the closing kilometres of SS7 unable to hear his co-driver Hanna Ostlenders pacenotes after his cars sump guard became detached and dragged on the road. Ex-Formula One driver Jos Verstappen is 14th followed by Dominik Stříteský, last seasons Barum Czech Rally Zlín winner.
As expected it was difficult, especially the long one, said Verstappen, who heads the Master ERC Championship order. I was struggling because of the length of the stage with the notes and they were cutting everywhere so there was some mud and water on the road. That was tough but I am more than happy with what we have done.
After winning SS2 in his Pirelli-equipped Ford Fiesta Rally2, Jon Armstrongs hopes of a strong result on the ERC season opener suffered a setback when he went off the road 19.6 kilometres from the start of SS4 after running wide on a tight right-hand turn. He was able to continue but lost more than one minute.
I just went too deep in the braking, missed the braking point, went slightly off and got stuck, the M-Sport Ford World Rally Team driver said. It was down a bank so we were lucky to get out.
DARLINGTON, S.C. Hendrick Motorsports William Byron drove Chevrolet to its now series-leading fourth NASCAR Cup Series pole of the season Saturday afternoon at Darlington Raceway.
The 27-year-old Charlotte, North Carolina, native clocked-in a best lap of 28.774 seconds, at 170.904 mph, in his No. 24 Axalta Chevrolet to earn the pole position for tomorrows Goodyear 400.
The pole Byrons second at Darlington Raceway and 15th all-time in NASCARs top division makes Byron the first repeat pole winner of the season.
I felt like we had a good plan going into practice, Byron explained. I feel like were always strong here. Its a really good track for our team and myself. We were just trying to find a decent balance there to start. We were a little bit tighter than we wanted to be, so we pitted and worked on it; got it a lot better and finished practice pretty strong, I felt like.
So I had some confidence going into qualifying that wed have a decent lap, at least. I was just was nervous about going early. I just felt like having a little bit of an earlier draw was not ideal, but it seemed like the track temp was starting to go up as well, so it probably wasnt the worst thing.
Ryan Preece will start his RFK Racing Ford outside the front row.
Last weeks winner, Denny Hamlin, will start his Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota third, sharing the second row with teammate Chase Briscoe.
Bubba Wallace will start his 23XI Racing Toyota in fifth.
Nashville Predators head coach Andrew Brunette is away from the team while addressing personal matters.
Assistant coach Todd Richards led the team's on-ice activities during Saturday's practice.
The Tennessean reported Richards would handle the head coaching responsibilities on Sunday should Brunette be unable to attend Nashville's home game against the Montreal Canadiens.
Brunette, 51, has guided the Predators to a 27-41-8 record this season.
A finalist for the 2024 Jack Adams Award, Brunette owns a 125-89-19 coaching record with the Florida Panthers (2021-22) and Predators.
NHL playoff watch: What's at stake in all 13 games on Saturday
As is tradition, Saturday is absolutely loaded with NHL games. Hope you got a good night's sleep!
With 13 games on the schedule, it's best to go game-by-game to preview what's at stake for each team -- some in the playoff races, some who are jockeying for draft lottery position.
New York Rangers at New Jersey Devils
12:30 p.m. (ABC/ESPN+)
The Hudson River rivalry is always a must-watch for hockey fans, and the intensity ramps up when both teams are in the postseason mix. The Devils have the upper hand now -- they're eight points ahead of the Rangers at opening puck drop -- and these two points are crucial for the visiting Blueshirts, who are trying to catch the Canadiens for the second wild card.
Florida Panthers at Ottawa Senators
2 p.m. (ESPN+)
In one possible future world, this will be a first-round matchup if the Panthers make it to the first position in the Atlantic. In another, it's a series in the second round if the order stays as is and these clubs win. For now, it's the final regular-season meeting between the division rivals. Unfortunately, fans won't get to enjoy any Tkachuk-on-Tkachuk battling, as Matthew remains out with a lower-body injury.
Pittsburgh Penguins at Dallas Stars
3 p.m. (ABC/ESPN+)
The Penguins remain mathematically alive for a playoff spot, although those hopes are fading quickly. They'll need to string together many wins -- and hope that all the teams above them start losing a lot more. The Stars have already punched their ticket to the playoffs, but can improve their seeding: As play begins Saturday, Dallas is four points behind Winnipeg for the No. 1 seed in the Central.
Anaheim Ducks at Vancouver Canucks
4 p.m. (ESPN+)
The Ducks are freshly eliminated from postseason contention and sit in the top 10 of the draft lottery order as play begins. The Canucks aren't entirely out of the playoff race, but their chances have decreased rapidly in recent weeks.
Edmonton Oilers at Los Angeles Kings
4 p.m. (ESPN+)
In the past three postseasons, these two clubs have met in the first round -- with the Oilers winning each series. Will they meet again in two weeks? And can the Kings finally win a round against their Albertan rivals? This game could include some message sending.
Carolina Hurricanes at Boston Bruins
7 p.m. (ESPN+)
Carolina clinched another spot in the postseason this week, and in all likelihood will be the No. 2 seed in the Metropolitan Division (barring an epic collapse by the Capitals to boost them to first, or by themselves to drop to third). Meanwhile, the Bruins are likely going to miss the postseason, which would be the first time since 2015-16. On the bright side, they're currently fourth in the draft lottery order, a point ahead of the Kraken and Sabres and two up on the Flyers.
Tampa Bay Lightning at Buffalo Sabres
7 p.m. (ESPN+)
The Lightning have been one of the NHL's top teams since the March 7 trade deadline, charging into second place in the Atlantic. They enter Saturday night three points back of the Maple Leafs for first and one point ahead of the Panthers. As for Buffalo, it's (likely) another spring without the playoffs in western New York, and they currently sit sixth in the draft lottery order, one point ahead of the Flyers and two ahead of the Penguins.
Columbus Blue Jackets at Toronto Maple Leafs
7 p.m. (ESPN+)
One of a handful of teams that still has a legitimate shot at the second Eastern wild card, the Blue Jackets do need all the points they can get in the remaining schedule. Their 77 points are four behind the Canadiens as Saturday's slate begins. As for the Leafs, they hold a three-point lead over Tampa Bay; if they hold on to the top spot, it'll likely yield a first-round matchup against the Senators in a renewal of the Battle of Ontario.
Philadelphia Flyers at Montreal Canadiens
7 p.m. (ESPN+)
Based on how these two teams finished last season, it would not have been surprising to learn that one of them held a wild-card spot at this juncture in 2024-25. But instead of the Flyers -- who stayed in the race until the end in 2023-24 -- it's the Canadiens, who finished with the fifth-fewest points last season. Jumping back to current events, Montreal holds the wild-card spot by two points over the Rangers and four over the Blue Jackets. Philadelphia is in the No. 7 spot in the draft lottery order, in the middle of a group of six teams within five points.
Colorado Avalanche at St. Louis Blues
7 p.m. (ESPN+)
These two won't meet in the first round of the postseason, but could meet sometime down the road, given how hot both clubs have been as of late. St. Louis has jumped ahead of Minnesota for the first wild-card spot in the West, while Colorado appears pretty well ensconced as the No. 3 seed in the Central.
Winnipeg Jets at Utah Hockey Club
7 p.m. (NHLN)
The fact that the Hockey Club is playing meaningful games this late into the season -- given where the previous version of the franchise was (geographically and emotionally) at this time last season -- is a win. And if they get on a heater and the Wild or Blues go into the dumpster, a playoff berth could be possible. As for the Jets, they are neck and neck with the Capitals to win the Presidents' Trophy as the NHL's top team this regular season -- and don't count out the Stars overtaking them.
Vegas Golden Knights at Calgary Flames
10 p.m. (ESPN+)
A large lead atop the Pacific Division has diminished to three points for the Golden Knights, as those pesky Kings just keep winning games. However, if it comes down to the regulation wins tiebreaker, Vegas is up by four, with just seven games remaining for both. With 84 points, Calgary begins play Saturday five points back of Minnesota for the final wild-card spot (and likely a first-round matchup with the Jets).
Seattle Kraken at San Jose Sharks
10 p.m. (ESPN+)
Many of Saturday's games have major playoff implications. This one is a critical one for the draft lottery standings. San Jose is first, with 50 points and 14 regulation wins, but they are just two ahead of the idle Chicago Blackhawks, who have 52 and 18. The Kraken begin play in the No. 5 spot (70 points, 26 RW), right in that mass of six teams within five points. A win here by either team can impact the table.
With the regular season ending April 17, we'll help you track it all with the NHL playoff watch. As we traverse the final stretch, we'll provide details on all the playoff races, along with the teams jockeying for position in the 2025 NHL draft lottery.
Note: Playoff chances are via Stathletes.
Jump ahead:
Current playoff matchups
Today's schedule
Yesterday's scores
Expanded standings
Race for No. 1 pick
Current playoff matchups
Eastern Conference
A1 Toronto Maple Leafs vs. WC1 Ottawa Senators
A2 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. A3 Florida Panthers
M1 Washington Capitals vs. WC2 Montreal Canadiens
M2 Carolina Hurricanes vs. M3 New Jersey Devils
Western Conference
C1 Winnipeg Jets vs. WC2 Minnesota Wild
C2 Dallas Stars vs. C3 Colorado Avalanche
P1 Vegas Golden Knights vs. WC1 St. Louis Blues
P2 Los Angeles Kings vs. P3 Edmonton Oilers
Saturday's games
Note: All times ET. All games not on TNT or NHL Network are available to stream on ESPN+ (local blackout restrictions apply).
New York Rangers at New Jersey Devils, 12:30 p.m. (ABC/ESPN+)
Florida Panthers at Ottawa Senators, 2 p.m.
Pittsburgh Penguins at Dallas Stars, 3 p.m. (ABC/ESPN+)
Anaheim Ducks at Vancouver Canucks, 4 p.m.
Edmonton Oilers at Los Angeles Kings, 4 p.m.
Carolina Hurricanes at Boston Bruins, 7 p.m.
Tampa Bay Lightning at Buffalo Sabres, 7 p.m.
Columbus Blue Jackets at Toronto Maple Leafs, 7 p.m.
Philadelphia Flyers at Montreal Canadiens, 7 p.m.
Colorado Avalanche at St. Louis Blues, 7 p.m.
Winnipeg Jets at Utah Hockey Club, 7 p.m. (NHLN)
Vegas Golden Knights at Calgary Flames, 10 p.m.
Seattle Kraken at San Jose Sharks, 10 p.m.
Friday's scoreboard
Detroit Red Wings 5, Carolina Hurricanes 3
Washington Capitals 5, Chicago Blackhawks 3
New York Islanders 3, Minnesota Wild 1
Expanded standings
Atlantic Division
x - Toronto Maple Leafs
Points: 96
Regulation wins: 38
Playoff position: A1
Games left: 7
Points pace: 105.0
Next game: vs. CBJ (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
Tampa Bay Lightning
Points: 93
Regulation wins: 38
Playoff position: A2
Games left: 7
Points pace: 101.7
Next game: @ BUF (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A
Florida Panthers
Points: 92
Regulation wins: 35
Playoff position: A3
Games left: 7
Points pace: 100.6
Next game: @ OTT (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A
Ottawa Senators
Points: 86
Regulation wins: 31
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 7
Points pace: 94.0
Next game: vs. FLA (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 99.6%
Tragic number: N/A
Montreal Canadiens
Points: 81
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 7
Points pace: 88.6
Next game: vs. PHI (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 61.1%
Tragic number: N/A
Detroit Red Wings
Points: 77
Regulation wins: 27
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 7
Points pace: 84.2
Next game: vs. FLA (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 2.4%
Tragic number: 11
Buffalo Sabres
Points: 70
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 8
Points pace: 77.6
Next game: vs. TB (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Tragic number: 6
Boston Bruins
Points: 69
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 6
Points pace: 74.5
Next game: vs. CAR (Saturday)
Playoff chances: ~0%
Tragic number: 1
Metro Division
x - Washington Capitals
Points: 107
Regulation wins: 42
Playoff position: M1
Games left: 6
Points pace: 115.5
Next game: @ NYI (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
x - Carolina Hurricanes
Points: 96
Regulation wins: 41
Playoff position: M2
Games left: 7
Points pace: 105.0
Next game: @ BOS (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
New Jersey Devils
Points: 87
Regulation wins: 35
Playoff position: M3
Games left: 6
Points pace: 93.9
Next game: vs. NYR (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 99.7%
Tragic number: N/A
New York Rangers
Points: 79
Regulation wins: 32
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 7
Points pace: 86.4
Next game: @ NJ (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 24.1%
Tragic number: 13
Columbus Blue Jackets
Points: 77
Regulation wins: 24
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 8
Points pace: 85.3
Next game: @ TOR (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 10.5%
Tragic number: 13
New York Islanders
Points: 76
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 7
Points pace: 83.1
Next game: vs. WSH (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 2.7%
Tragic number: 10
Pittsburgh Penguins
Points: 72
Regulation wins: 20
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 6
Points pace: 77.7
Next game: @ DAL (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Tragic number: 4
Philadelphia Flyers
Points: 71
Regulation wins: 20
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 6
Points pace: 76.6
Next game: @ MTL (Saturday)
Playoff chances: ~0%
Tragic number: 3
Central Division
x - Winnipeg Jets
Points: 108
Regulation wins: 41
Playoff position: C1
Games left: 6
Points pace: 116.5
Next game: @ UTA (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
x - Dallas Stars
Points: 104
Regulation wins: 41
Playoff position: C2
Games left: 7
Points pace: 113.7
Next game: vs. PIT (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
x - Colorado Avalanche
Points: 98
Regulation wins: 39
Playoff position: C3
Games left: 5
Points pace: 104.4
Next game: @ STL (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
St. Louis Blues
Points: 91
Regulation wins: 30
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 5
Points pace: 96.9
Next game: vs. COL (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 97.5%
Tragic number: N/A
Minnesota Wild
Points: 89
Regulation wins: 33
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 5
Points pace: 94.8
Next game: vs. DAL (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 92.1%
Tragic number: N/A
Utah Hockey Club
Points: 80
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 6
Points pace: 86.3
Next game: vs. WPG (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Tragic number: 4
e - Nashville Predators
Points: 62
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 6
Points pace: 66.9
Next game: vs. MTL (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
e - Chicago Blackhawks
Points: 52
Regulation wins: 18
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 6
Points pace: 56.1
Next game: vs. PIT (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
Pacific Division
x - Vegas Golden Knights
Points: 98
Regulation wins: 42
Playoff position: P1
Games left: 7
Points pace: 107.2
Next game: @ CGY (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
Los Angeles Kings
Points: 95
Regulation wins: 38
Playoff position: P3
Games left: 7
Points pace: 103.9
Next game: vs. EDM (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A
Edmonton Oilers
Points: 93
Regulation wins: 32
Playoff position: P2
Games left: 7
Points pace: 101.7
Next game: @ LA (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A
Calgary Flames
Points: 84
Regulation wins: 27
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 7
Points pace: 91.8
Next game: vs. VGK (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 9.7%
Tragic number: 10
Vancouver Canucks
Points: 81
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 7
Points pace: 88.6
Next game: vs. ANA (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0.7%
Tragic number: 7
e - Anaheim Ducks
Points: 74
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 7
Points pace: 80.9
Next game: @ ANA (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
e - Seattle Kraken
Points: 70
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 6
Points pace: 75.5
Next game: @ SJ (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
e - San Jose Sharks
Points: 50
Regulation wins: 14
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 7
Points pace: 54.7
Next game: vs. SEA (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
Note: An "x" means that the team has clinched a playoff berth. An "e" means that the team has been eliminated from playoff contention.
Race for the No. 1 pick
The NHL uses a draft lottery to determine the order of the first round, so the team that finishes in last place is not guaranteed the No. 1 selection. As of 2021, a team can move up a maximum of 10 spots if it wins the lottery, so only 11 teams are eligible for the No. 1 pick. Full details on the process are here. Matthew Schaefer, a defenseman for the OHL's Erie Otters, is No. 1 on the draft board.
1. San Jose Sharks
Points: 50
Regulation wins: 14
2. Chicago Blackhawks
Points: 52
Regulation wins: 18
3. Nashville Predators
Points: 62
Regulation wins: 23
4. Boston Bruins
Points: 69
Regulation wins: 23
5. Seattle Kraken
Points: 70
Regulation wins: 26
6. Buffalo Sabres
Points: 70
Regulation wins: 26
7. Philadelphia Flyers
Points: 71
Regulation wins: 20
8. Pittsburgh Penguins
Points: 72
Regulation wins: 20
9. Anaheim Ducks
Points: 74
Regulation wins: 23
10. New York Islanders
Points: 76
Regulation wins: 26
11. Detroit Red Wings
Points: 77
Regulation wins: 27
12. Columbus Blue Jackets
Points: 77
Regulation wins: 24
13. New York Rangers
Points: 79
Regulation wins: 32
14. Utah Hockey Club
Points: 80
Regulation wins: 26
15. Vancouver Canucks
Points: 81
Regulation wins: 26
16. Calgary Flames
Points: 84
Regulation wins: 27
Pulisic gets assist, misery for Musah in Milan draw
AC Milan also had to fight back from two goals down to draw 2-2 at home to Fiorentina.
The Rossoneri got off to a dreadful start as they found themselves 2-0 down inside 10 minutes. Milan defender Malick Thiaw bundled the ball into his own net in the seventh minute and Moise Kean volleyed in Fiorentina's second three minutes later.
United States international Yunus Musah was at fault for both goals and he was hauled off in the 23rd, moments after his compatriot Christian Pulisic combined with Tammy Abraham for the latter to pull one back for Milan.
Musah appeared distraught and was consoled by coach Sérgio Conceição.
His replacement, Luka Jović, scored the equalizer - against his old club - in the 64th.
Milan remained ninth, four points below eighth-placed Fiorentina, which was level on points with the two clubs immediately above it.
Barcelona spurned the chance to extend their lead at the top of the LaLiga standings when they were held at home 1-1 by Real Betis on Saturday, with visiting defender Natan cancelling out Gavi's early opener.
The draw moves Hansi Flick's Barça on to 67 points, four ahead of rivals Real Madrid who slumped to a 2-1 defeat at home by Valencia earlier on Saturday, while Betis climbed to fifth on 48 points.
The hosts had been given further motivation by Real's shocking loss and had a great start when Gavi opened the scoring from close range, brilliantly assisted by Ferran Torres seven minutes after kickoff.
However, Natan headed the equaliser from a corner in the 17th minute and though they dominated, Barca could not find a way past 38-year-old goalkeeper Adrian.
Paris Saint-Germain beat Angers 1-0 and won a record-extending 13th Ligue 1 title without losing a game and with six matches to spare on Saturday.
PSG needed only a draw but forward Désiré Doué got the only goal at a festive Parc des Princes bathed in sunshine to make it 23 wins in 28 games so far.
It was PSG's 11th French championship since Qatari backers QSI took over the club in 2011, with the other two coming in 1986 and '94.
Coach Luis Enrique was mobbed by his staff members at the final whistle and thrown in the air as the players danced together in the center circle.
"The fans are so proud of us and we gave them this title," Luis Enrique said. "The club has so many achievements. The objectives are to play attractive soccer and to go and win trophies."
They then went on a lap of honor and celebrated in front of their fans behind the Auteuil section of the stadium.
"Throughout the season, this team has shown something," Luis Enrique said. "The fact that other soccer fans, who are not PSG fans, like our style of play is a huge honor for us."
PSG can also secure a second straight domestic double under Spanish coach Luis Enrique by beating Reims in the French Cup final on May 24.
Later Saturday, second-placed Monaco visits Brest and Lyon hosts Lille with both sides involved in a tight race to qualify for next season's Champions League.
PSG laboured against an Angers side battling relegation that has lost their past five games without scoring.
Midfielder Vitinha had a long-distance shot brilliantly saved by Angers goalkeeper Yahia Fofana late in the first half.
But otherwise PSG failed to trouble the visitor until the 55th minute, when Doué adroitly volleyed in Georgia winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's pinpoint cross to the back post.
Ligue 1 top scorer Ousmane Dembélé came on in the second half but failed to add to his league-leading 21 goals.
PSG's dominant season was made easier by the lack of a consistent rival, with Marseille and Monaco failing to sustain a challenge.
This side will ultimately be judged in the Champions League, a trophy PSG have never won.
Next up is Aston Villa in the quarterfinals, with the first leg in Paris on Wednesday.
USWNT big board: How the 2027 World Cup team is taking shape
It's that time again: The USWNT big board is back!
U.S. women's national team head coach Emma Hayes succinctly summarized the concept of our USWNT big board in her most recent news conference: She must work with who is available right now.
"The position I'm in is: I can only coach what's in front of me, and I can only coach the players that are available," Hayes said last week. "And we have been without five of some of the best players in the world, probably top 25 players in the world."
She was referring to a group that includes forward Trinity Rodman, who returns to the USWNT fold for the first time since the Olympic gold-medal game, but the absences are aplenty.
If the 2027 Women's World Cup started today, Hayes would need to navigate the tournament without several injured or otherwise unavailable players, including center backs Naomi Girma and Tierna Davidson, midfielder Rose Lavelle, and forwards Sophia Wilson (formerly Smith), Mallory Swanson and Lynn Biyendolo (formerly Williams).
Hayes is lucky that the World Cup does not start today, but those absences illustrate the purpose of this exercise: There are almost always important players missing at a major tournament. Swanson and Becky Sauerbrunn, two key starters, missed the 2023 World Cup due to injuries on short notice.
How the USWNT big board works
If you've followed ESPN's previous editions of the USWNT big board before, you know that the list represents how things stand right now, as if the World Cup started today. It's a difficult proposition considering how much uncertainty and experimentation surrounds the team.
Since the start of the year, Hayes has already called up 68 players combined between the senior team and the U23 (also previously called "Futures") camps. All those players (who are healthy) are represented below, in addition to recent key U20 players, NWSL standouts and other players who were in the picture last year.
Here's how we define our categories:
Tier 1: Locks. Clear first-choice players who are contending for a starting role.
Tier 2: In the squad. Not necessarily starters, but substitutes and players on the bench available to go into games.
Tier 3: Looking to break through. Young or less experienced players who have received call-ups and shown promise, or veterans yet to really establish their international careers.
Tier 4: Outside looking in. Players who were previously part of the picture but now appear to be out of favor, or young players who are less proven at the senior level but are on Hayes' radar.
Goalkeepers
Locks: None
In the squad: Jane Campbell, Mandy McGlynn, Casey Murphy
Looking to break through: Phallon Tullis-Joyce
Outside looking in: Angelina Anderson, Izzy Lee, Nona Reason, Stephanie Sparkowski, Jordan Brown, Mia Justus, Neeku Purcell, Teagan Wy
If this doesn't spell out the state of the USWNT's goalkeeper position, nothing will: There are no locks, and nobody has claimed the No. 1 spot yet. Compare that with the program that was in the sure hands of Briana Scurry, Hope Solo and Alyssa Naeher for the past three decades.
Hayes reiterated recently that she likely won't decide on a starter until the summer. From the outside, it's a confusing time to decipher who might be the favorite for that position.
Murphy was the backup to Naeher for the past few years and briefly looked like she might challenge Naeher to be the starting spot at World Cup qualifying in 2022. Murphy was last with the USWNT in January camp (when there were no games), and it's unclear whether her repeated absence is truly just Hayes testing out other goalkeepers, or an indication that the coach is going in a different direction.
Campbell is the de facto No. 1 for the second straight camp. McGlynn is a strong shot-stopper who also tallied an assist in Week 1 of the NWSL but has equally had some struggles playing in possession out of the back, including a Week 2 turnover on a goal kick that directly led to a goal for her opponent.
Tullis-Joyce is back in camp, and Hayes explicitly wants to see the "introverted" Manchester United goalkeeper build relationships with players around her.
If the World Cup started today, it would likely be Campbell, McGlynn and Murphy on the roster -- and it would be a field day of questions about who should be the starter. Lest we forget, Naeher was questioned relentlessly heading into the 2019 World Cup and helped deliver a fourth star.
Fullbacks
Locks: Emily Fox, Crystal Dunn
In the squad: Jenna Nighswonger
Looking to break through: Avery Patterson, Gisele Thompson, Alyssa Malonson
Outside looking in: Casey Krueger, Ryan Williams, Emily Mason, Lilly Reale, Amelia Van Zanten, Evelyn Shores, Heather Gilchrist
Upon naming her latest roster, Hayes said "the fullback spaces" -- semantics that could suggest she will play with formations -- will be "quite experimental."
She was referencing a first call-up for Patterson -- who looks much improved in her second pro season on a Houston Dash team that might finally have an identity -- and the call-up of Gisele Thompson, who has recently oscillated between the senior team and U23s but looks to have locked down a starting role with Angel City.
Fox and Dunn are the clear starters right now, as they were at the 2024 Olympics and the 2023 World Cup.
Nighswonger is a wild card, having appeared to be favored as a starter ahead of the Olympics only to play a more limited role there. She has played sparingly for Arsenal since a surprising offseason transfer away from Gotham, and she was not named to the most recent roster.
Of all the field positions, fullback arguably offers the most direct path to a roster spot right now as Hayes searches for depth.
Center Backs
Locks: Emily Sonnett, Emily Sams
In the squad: Tara McKeown
Looking to break through: Alana Cook, Jordyn Bugg
Outside looking in: Savy King, Zara Chavoshi, Eva Gaetino, Abby Dahlkemper
Emma Hayes reacts to her first loss as coach of the USWNT, saying the team will build upon its defeat to Japan in the SheBelieves Cup.
Naomi Girma might be the world's best center back, but she hasn't been available to the USWNT this calendar year due to a recurring calf injury. Now, Tierna Davidson is out for the foreseeable future due to a torn ACL. If the World Cup started today, the USWNT would be in trouble defensively.
Girma's absence opened the door for Sams, who was part of the Olympic gold medal team, and McKeown to earn minutes at the SheBelieves Cup. They are battling with Sonnett -- the team's defensive Swiss Army knife -- for a starting role.
Cook is back in form with the Kansas City Current (under former USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski), earning her first USWNT recall in over a year. She might be thrown immediately back into the mix with Girma and Davidson both missing.
Bugg, 18, and King, 20, are the young names to watch over the next year. They have each taken on more responsibility with their respective NWSL teams, but the 2027 World Cup might come too soon for them to fully develop.
Midfielders
Locks: Lindsey Heaps, Sam Coffey, Jaedyn Shaw
In the squad: Korbin Albert, Lily Yohannes
Looking to break through: Claire Hutton
Outside looking in: Olivia Moultrie, Hannah Bebar, Meg Boade, Abi Brighton, Taylor Huff, Riley Jackson, Sally Menti, Ainsley McCammon, Yuna McCormack, Lexi Missimo, Ally Lemos, Kennedy Fuller
The midfield, which endured some relatively difficult stretches at the 2024 Olympics, is in its own awkward moment of uncertainty. There are teenagers who clearly look like stars of the future, but they haven't yet had a shot to really take hold of their positions.
Yohannes, the 17-year-old who rebuffed interest from the Dutch national team, and 19-year-old Hutton each showed composure and technical mastery in the opportunities they had at the SheBelieves Cup. Meanwhile, 20-year-old Shaw is integral to the entire team setup but still doesn't have a clear, fixed spot on the field.
Heaps (nee Horan) is the captain and has played in more advanced roles recently, and Coffey is the incumbent defensive midfielder who can switch play from deep areas. Hayes has turned to Albert to fill any of the three midfield roles needed depending on the game state.
Washington Spirit midfield duo Croix Bethune and Hal Hershfelt, who were on the 2024 Olympic roster, are still sidelined by injuries.
Among the group of young, rising players, Huff looked exceptional in her first few games as a rookie with Bay FC both in open play and on set pieces. Versatile 19-year-old Moultrie has not been called up for the senior or U-23 team since October.
Forwards
Locks: Trinity Rodman, Catarina Macario
In the squad: Ally Sentnor, Yazmeen Ryan, Alyssa Thompson
Looking to break through: Michelle Cooper, Ashley Hatch, Emma Sears, Mia Fishel
Outside looking in: Ella Stevens, Maddie Dahlien, Emeri Adames, Caiya Hanks, Jameese Joseph, Quincy McMahon, Makenna Morris, Sarah Schupansky, Reilyn Turner, Jordynn Dudley, Kate Faasse, Pietra Tordin
Rodman is healthy again, and her return to the USWNT gives it a dynamic focal point it has needed with the entire self-proclaimed "Triple Espresso" of Rodman, Swanson and Wilson sitting out since the Olympics. If Rodman is healthy enough to play any minutes, she'll be on the plane to Brazil (host of the 2027 World Cup).
Macario is clearly the first option at striker among available players, but she also plays the role as more of a false nine, which is a very different look from the USWNT that stretched opponents' lines last year and comes with some compromises.
Hatch is back in the picture to provide a true No. 9 option, and Fishel (a training player in this camp) will challenge for that role as well once fully fit again.
Sentnor is in fine form for club and country and has a chance to shake up the depth chart. If she can take ownership of the striker position, it would allow Macario to shift into a No. 10 role without the team having to sacrifice a vertical presence. But Sentnor is better suited as a winger who has the freedom to drift inside.
"It's clear that Sophia Smith is the most prolific No. 9 in the U.S, but she's unavailable to us," Hayes said last week, adding that Macario and Sentnor will be tasked with filling the role.
Watch out for Cooper. She can get overlooked on a Kansas City team loaded with league MVP-level talent, but she is in extraordinary form.
USWNT squad if the World Cup started today
Goalkeepers: Jane Campbell, Mandy McGlynn, Casey Murphy
Defenders: Emily Fox, Crystal Dunn, Jenna Nighswonger, Emily Sonnett, Emily Sams, Tara McKeown, Alana Cook, Casey Krueger
Midfielders: Lindsey Heaps, Sam Coffey, Jaedyn Shaw, Korbin Albert, Lily Yohannes, Claire Hutton
Forwards: Trinity Rodman, Catarina Macario, Ally Sentnor, Yazmeen Ryan, Alyssa Thompson, Michelle Cooper
The three bubble players added from Tier 3 are:
Cook and Krueger -- a wild card here, who Hayes said last week "could play in a World Cup tomorrow" -- for defensive stability and a veteran presence that is suddenly desperately needed without Girma and Davidson.
Hutton as another talented, albeit young and inexperienced holding midfielder if Coffey gets into card accumulation trouble.
Cooper, based on form, to add forward depth -- even though Hayes would be taking a slight risk by not taking an out-and-out No. 9 striker.
Auriemma takes blame for UConn's title drought
TAMPA, Fla. -- No coach has won more NCAA basketball titles than UConn's Geno Auriemma, who has 11. But his most recent was in 2016, and he has had some painful losses in the women's Final Four since.
Yet headed into his 13th NCAA championship game at his 24th Final Four, Auriemma said the tough defeats themselves don't bother him as much as some of the choices he made in those games. He hopes to push all the right buttons when facing South Carolina on Sunday (3 p.m. ET, ABC).
"I've lost more Final Fours for my team than they have, because coaches make decisions about what to do with their team," Auriemma said Saturday. "And if you make the right decision, you win."
The Huskies won four consecutive NCAA titles behind star Breanna Stewart from 2013 to 2016. In 2017 and 2018, UConn lost by two points in overtime in the national semifinals to buzzer-beating shots by Mississippi State's Morgan William and Notre Dame's Arike Ogunbowale, respectively.
"I don't look at those two as heartbreaking frustrations," Auriemma said. "I would have if I didn't make two decisions in both of those games that I think have more to do with us losing than those two buzzer-beaters.
"So that's the frustration that I take away from that: 'Why do you keep screwing it up for these guys?'"
Auriemma didn't specify the decisions he made. But he acknowledged coaches often can't be completely sure if the decision was right or wrong until they see the outcome.
In 2019, the Huskies lost again to Notre Dame in the national semifinals, that time by five points. A 10-point loss to underdog Arizona in the 2021 national semis was one of UConn's biggest surprise defeats.
In 2022, the Huskies faced South Carolina in the title game; UConn was a slight underdog going in, and the Huskies' injuries and illness made that even more the case. South Carolina dominated 64-49.
UConn star guard Paige Bueckers suffered a knee injury in the summer of 2022 and didn't play in the 2023 NCAA tournament, when the Huskies' streak of making 14 consecutive Final Fours was broken.
Last year, a late moving screen call against UConn senior Aaliyah Edwards helped doom UConn to yet another two-point national semifinal loss, this one to Iowa.
Now, UConn again is knocking on the door of a championship. And after dealing with multiple season-changing injuries to players such as Bueckers and Azzi Fudd in recent years, Auriemma said what he is feeling best about with this Final Four team is that the players are healthy.
"The fact that we sort of have a chance to be able to manipulate the game a little bit better than we had before, that's rewarding," Auriemma said. "That makes up for all the heartache and all the trauma and tribulations that we have had to go through."
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