
I Dig Sports
Arsenal secure a Champions League win for the ages as Real Madrid hope for Bernabéu magic

Arsenal delivered one of the most stunning European displays in their history on Tuesday to beat ten-man Real Madrid 3-0 at Emirates Stadium and take firm control of this Champions League quarterfinal tie.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois produced a string of magical saves but could do nothing as Declan Rice scored two devastating second-half free-kicks before Mikel Merino added a third.
Rice had never scored a direct free-kick in his career but after a goalless first half, he did so here twice in the space of 12 minutes as Madrid were made to pay for wasting a series of earlier openings with Kylian Mbappé the biggest culprit.
Rice's 58th-minute opener from 31.9 yards out beat Real's four-man wall before his second found the top corner with unerring accuracy. Merino's smart first-time finish five minutes later put the home side in dreamland and Real were unable to muster a response.
A wretched evening for Madrid got even worse in stoppage-time as Eduardo Camavinga was sent off after picking up a second yellow card for dissent.
The Gunners have not reached the Champions League semifinals since 2009 but Real Madrid -- the defending champions -- now face a mammoth task to overturn this deficit in next Wednesday's second leg after a night that will live long in the memory for those in the red half of north London. -- James Olley
Arsenal nab historic Champions League win to be remembered
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta challenged his team to "build our own story" when confronted with the imbalance in Champions League historic pedigree compared to Real Madrid. And they certainly did just that on a remarkable evening.
Real Madrid, 15-time winners and littered with superstars, were the favourites to progress, but Arsenal defied the absence of several key players through injury to produce a result that will go down as one of the finest in their history. They have never won Europe's premier club competition, coming closest in 2006 when losing the final to Barcelona.
Just where this victory will rank of course depends on the outcome of next week's second leg. But few thought the Gunners capable of such an emphatic victory over European heavyweights Madrid.
After fading behind Liverpool in the Premier League title race, a result like this will renew hope Arsenal could yet still end this season with silverware to show for their progress under Arteta. Whatever happens, this was an evening which everyone of an Arsenal persuasion will boast "I was there" for years to come. -- Olley
Mbappé, Vinícius fail to capitalise on Real Madrid's chances
Madrid's two attacking stars, Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, both shone in the last round of the Champions League against Manchester City. Vinicius dominated the first leg in Manchester, and Mbappé finished the job with a hat trick at the Bernabéu.
Here at the Emirates, both players had moments -- especially in the first half -- when they might have helped dictate the outcome too. But they didn't make the most of them and ultimately let Real Madrid down.
Mbappé had three shots. So did Vinicius. None of them really tested David Raya in the Arsenal goal, either flying well off target, or falling too close, and too comfortably, for the goalkeeper.
Real Madrid aren't a team that need to dominate possession. With two of the game's fastest players in Mbappé and Vinicius, they're often even happier to give up the ball, knowing that when they subsequently win it back, they'll be in a position to release one or both of their speedy front two into space.
And in the first half, several times, that's exactly what happened. Arsenal gave up the ball cheaply, Madrid picked the right pass, and suddenly, Mbappé and Vini were away. Mbappé's chance after half an hour, free in the inside-left channel -- what Arsenal fans might call the "Thierry Henry position" -- should have led to the game's opening goal. Instead, Mbappé's effort was tame.
The relative ease with which Madrid were able to find Mbappé in such dangerous positions was something they can look to do -- this time with some added end product -- at the Bernabéu. But the contrast between a subdued Vinicius and a sparkling Bukayo Saka on the wing for Arsenal was striking. -- Alex Kirkland
Rice enjoys a breakout performance at the right time
When Declan Rice started taking corners last season, it was an innovation that added a fresh dimension to his play. He can now add free-kick specialist to an ever-expanding resume after a quite incredible intervention, not once, but twice.
Rice had never scored from a direct free-kick in his career and then, out of nowhere, he did so twice in 12 minutes. And neither was a fluke. Both were curled with such astonishing precision that Courtois -- who had up until then looked almost unbeatable -- was left grasping at thin air.
Set-piece coach Nicolas Jover -- who already has a mural in London for his impact on the team -- was seen on replays appearing to tell Rice to try curling his first effort around the wall. Whatever the instruction, it required a technique and placement of the highest order and Rice delivered just that.
Rice's move to Arsenal from West Ham in 2023 cost 105m, and in these parts the fans sing "we got him half price." On occasions like this, it is hard to disagree. -- Olley
Courtois the one bright spot for Real Madrid
Real Madrid conceded three goals tonight, but none of them were goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois' fault. In fact, without the return to the team of Madrid's -- and perhaps Europe's -- No. 1 goalkeeper, how much worse could this have been?
Madrid took their time bringing Courtois back from injury, to make sure he was fit and available for this game at the Emirates. With back-up goalkeeper Andriy Lunin also unavailable, that even meant youngster Fran González making his debut in LaLiga at the weekend. But Madrid didn't mind that. The Arsenal game was the only priority. And tonight, we saw why.
Real Madrid with Courtois in goal are a different proposition, especially in the Champions League. The Belgian has delivered so many masterclasses in this competition -- remember those nine saves against Liverpool in 2022 -- and tonight was another reminder that his value can't be overstated.
His double save from Rice and Gabriel Martinelli might have been the first half's defining moment. When, in the second half, the goals came, Courtois was blameless. Maybe he could have positioned the Madrid wall a little better for Rice's first. But still, the curl the midfielder got on the ball made it near unsaveable.
Then, there were two more saves, from Martinelli and Merino, before Rice's second. Again, Courtois couldn't get near it. No goalkeeper could. If Madrid are still in this tie at all -- and that's debatable, given this performance -- it's because of Courtois. -- Kirkland
Arsenal's makeshift backline holds firm
Gabriel Magalhães's season-ending hamstring injury broke up his stoic centre-back partnership with William Saliba, and there were justified concerns over whether Jakob Kiwior would prove an able deputy. A mistake inside the opening 40 seconds against Real Madrid multiplied those concerns as his miskick enabled Mbappe to register the game's first shot on target.
Indeed, there were several nervous moments but Kiwior grew in confidence as the game wore on, and Arsenal got the balance right in protecting him. For example, it was noticeable how infrequently right-back Jurriën Timber went forward. That caution was understandable given his responsibility in guarding against Vinicius Junior's pace on the counter-attack but it did also rob Arsenal of the Martin Odegaard-Saka-Timber overload on the right-hand side which the Gunners so often use to break opponents down.
However, Saka gave David Alaba a torrid time all on his own, winning the free-kick which led to Rice's 58th-minute opener. Ultimately, Arteta could have tried to rush back Ben White -- only recently returned from injury -- but he trusted Kiwior to do the job and that call was vindicated. -- Olley
Real Madrid need another big Bernabéu comeback
Real Madrid have been here before. The last decade is littered with dramatic, second leg comebacks at the Santiago Bernabéu, building on the club's long history -- sometimes overplayed -- of European drama.
In 2016, they lost 2-0 at Wolfsburg in the Champions League quarterfinals. They won the second leg 3-0 at the Bernabéu. In the 2022 knockout stage, on their most famous run yet, they lost 1-0 at Paris Saint-Germain, only to win the second leg 3-1. They later lost 4-3 at Manchester City, and went on to go through 6-5 on aggregate.
But none of those first-leg defeats felt quite like this. Overturning a 3-0 deficit is another order of magnitude entirely. And this was no freak result: Madrid, barring the Man City playoff, have not been playing well all season.
In big games they have struggled, humbled twice by Barcelona in El Clásico, and again tonight. Can they do it? At the Bernabéu, you'd never rule anything out. An early Madrid goal in the second leg could rattle an Arsenal who are inexperienced at this level, and with the crowd behind Madrid, and so much star power in the forward line, you never know.
But there is now no margin for error. "At the Bernabéu, anything can happen," Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said last week after a 4-4 draw with Real Sociedad put Madrid into the cup final. If Madrid are to reach the Champions League semis, that statement will be tested to the limit. -- Kirkland
Rice's stunning double helps Arsenal rout Madrid

Declan Rice's two fantastic free kicks and a striker's finish from Mikel Merino gave Arsenal an emphatic 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.
The hosts had the better of the first half as Real began slowly, with Eduardo Camavinga almost conceding a calamitous own goal when he blocked Antonio Rudiger's clearance before Thomas Partey shot straight at Thibault Courtois.
Real grew into the contest and threatened on the break, but Courtois was by far the busier goalkeeper and produced a stunning double save on the stroke of halftime to keep the game level.
There was no stopping Rice's opener, though, a fierce shot around the wall and beyond Courtois in the 58th minute for the midfielder's first senior goal from a direct free kick.
Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
Arsenal could have been two-up shortly after, but Courtois produced a diving stop from Gabriel Martinelli followed by another from Merino in between David Alaba's goal-line block.
Rice's second free kick was even better than the first, curled straight into the top corner in the 70th minute, to leave the 15-time European champions looking stunned and the England midfielder as the first player to score multiple goals from direct free kicks in a Champions League knockout game.
Merino then coolly fired substitute Leandro Trossard's pullback into the bottom corner 15 minutes from time to give Arsenal a sizeable lead to take to Madrid next week.
Real will have to try to overhaul that lead without Camavinga, who was shown a second yellow card in the closing seconds for kicking the ball away.
The winner of the tie will face either Aston Villa or Paris Saint-Germain in the semifinals.
Information from Reuters was used in this report.
What's next for Denver after firing Malone? NBA insiders debate the Nuggets' shocking move

The Denver Nuggets shocked the NBA world by firing head coach Michael Malone and announcing they would not extend the contract of general manager Calvin Booth on Tuesday, with just six days left in the regular season. The Nuggets are just two years removed from winning the NBA championship and are currently in fourth place in the Western Conference.
However, after a four-game losing streak, Denver is now just a half-game above the logjam of four teams that are currently tied for fifth. ESPN's Basketball Power Index gives the Nuggets a 46.9% chance of sliding into the play-in tournament.
With a closing schedule that includes road games at the Sacramento Kings and Houston Rockets, sandwiched around a home date with the Memphis Grizzlies -- who also made a recent surprising coaching change, firing Taylor Jenkins on March 28 -- the Nuggets will be hard-pressed to hold on to their playoff spot in the wild Western Conference postseason race.
Our NBA insiders answer the big questions about these firings, including what it means for Denver's playoff hopes and the future of three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.
The Nuggets moving on from Malone and Booth with six days left in the season is _____.
Ohm Youngmisuk: Shocking but not totally blindsiding. Change was likely inevitable, but the timing was a massive surprise. Tension had been brewing between Malone and Booth for quite some time, so much so that sources described it as a "cold war." Denver has lost four straight and is just 11-13 since the All-Star break. Players such as Jokic have displayed frustration on the sideline. Vibes have been low, according to sources. And ownership believed it was time to move on from both men just days before the end of the regular season to give the team a jolt ahead of a postseason run with the best player in the world.
Bobby Marks: Stunning. I swore to myself to never use that word, especially after the Luka Doncic trade in February. But here we are two months later. Yes, there were rumblings that change was coming in Denver, but not six days before the regular season ended.
Michael C. Wright: No different than Memphis firing Jenkins, the winningest coach in franchise history: ridiculous. Denver is just two seasons removed from the only championship in franchise history, and you diminish the Nuggets' chances for a second title by firing the coach who got you to the mountaintop? This can't be a popular move within Denver's locker room.
Chris Herring: Even more surprising than Memphis' decision to fire Jenkins, given the Nuggets won the entire thing just two years ago. Jamal Murray has also missed Denver's past five games, which better explained the current skid to some extent. Apparently not, though. It's a stunning move to fire a coach with more wins than anyone over the past five seasons -- even more so to do it in the final week of the season.
Zach Kram: A sign of just how much the franchise has botched its post-championship competitive window. The team has lost key contributors without replacing them, suffered from behind-the-scenes strife and made an unprecedented decision to blow up a contender's front office and coaching staff this late in the season. As long as Jokic is in his prime, the Nuggets are dangerous. But what looked like a potential dynasty in 2023 is flailing two years later.
How does this change Denver's postseason projections?
Shams Charania explains why Nuggets ownership moved on from head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth.
Kram: I was already pessimistic about the Nuggets' playoff chances because of the team's 20th-ranked defense -- the worst for any team with a winning record -- and Murray's uncertain return. Now it's even harder to envision a deep run from the 2023 champs.
Marks: A month ago I was asked which team could contend with Oklahoma City. The answer was Denver. This morning before Denver cleaned house, I did not think they could get out of the first round. Their recent stretch of games and inability to get stops defensively would be a major concern even if the Nuggets kept Malone.
Herring: Perhaps the firings provide a spark, but I have a tough time thinking a change this late in the game propels Denver, just because there isn't sufficient time to make wholesale schematic or style changes. If anything, it gives me less confidence in a run from Jokic and the Nuggets.
Wright: It certainly doesn't help this team, which still has a shot to secure home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. With Murray's extended absence due to a right hamstring issue, his availability to start the postseason is in question. Expectations already weren't high for the Nuggets, and the firing of Malone further diminishes this team's prospects because it takes away continuity.
Youngmisuk: Denver is in a fight to stay out of the play-in. The Nuggets desperately need Murray to come back healthy after missing five straight games because of a hamstring injury. If Murray is healthy when the postseason starts, the Nuggets can beat anyone with Jokic playing the best basketball of his career. He needs more help. The Nuggets are hoping interim coach David Adelman will get the team out of its slump, but a healthy Murray is vital for Jokic and the Nuggets to make another deep run.
More shocking firing: Malone or Jenkins?
Herring: Malone. He won the franchise's lone title just two years ago and has won more than anyone over the past five years. His record speaks for itself. Both firings were shockers, and I expect we'll learn far more in the coming days. But even with that info, short of Malone having some sort of static with Jokic, I'm not sure it will make this decision any more understandable; it just seems too destabilizing with so little time left.
Kram: Malone. The writing had been on the wall in Memphis for some time, since the Grizzlies replaced five of Jenkins' assistants last summer. The main surprise was the timing, not the firing itself. But Malone was such a successful mainstay in Denver that he seemed likely to remain Jokic's coach for years to come.
Wright: Malone, because of what appears to be a lack of understanding from ownership of how the franchise reached this point. Denver wants to win now but has very little flexibility and assets to make such lofty goals realistic. It's worth pondering whether this is just the beginning of a larger teardown.
Youngmisuk: Malone, simply because teams do not part with championship coaches this late in the season, especially when vying for a top-four seed. The move does give Denver a chance to see what Adelman can do. And with more openings expected this summer, Denver gets an early look at the 43-year-old coach, who has been on the radar for head coaching positions in the past.
Marks: Can I say both? I was part of the Nets front office that fired Byron Scott in 2004 after two straight NBA Finals appearances. But that was 41 games into the next season. Both Jenkins and Malone had endured injuries to their star players (Ja Morant, Jamal Murray, Nikola Jokic) since the All-Star break and were positioned to coach playoff teams. Plus, in the case of Malone, winning a championship should mean something for job security.
What does this mean for Jokic's future in Denver?
Brian Windhorst reports on the NBA's reaction to the Nuggets firing Michael Malone and moving on from GM Calvin Booth and what it means for Nikola Jokic.
Marks: One thought came to mind after Malone was fired: I hope Nuggets ownership ran this by Jokic. The three-time MVP still has three years left on his contract (he has a player option in 2027-28), but that does not mean anything if a player is unhappy. The true sign of what the future holds in Denver is what happens once the NBA Finals conclude, when Jokic is eligible to sign a three-year, $212 million extension.
Herring: This is the question. Was there anything happening behind the scenes between Malone and Jokic? Taking this step with Malone, particularly in the final week of a season that isn't even remotely lost, is a massive gamble unless you know Jokic is OK with it. Jokic is among the least dramatic stars in the sport, but this is a highly unusual move involving a title-winning coach.
Wright: It'll be interesting to find out, considering he'll soon be eligible to sign that three-year extension. Jokic came into the league with Malone as his head coach, who then made the decision to run Denver's offense through the star big man. Jokic doesn't reveal much about his personal life, but it sure seems like loyalty is important to him. Ownership showed none with this latest move.
Kram: Probably nothing, because Jokic has never seemed like the sort of player to demand a trade. But Malone has been the Nuggets' coach for Jokic's entire career, so now we're entering uncharted territory for the NBA's best player.
Youngmisuk: Jokic isn't going anywhere. While Malone is the only NBA head coach Jokic has ever had, the Nuggets made this move in hopes of maximizing what is left of this season. Denver ownership still believes the Nuggets can make a run this postseason and considers Adelman the architect of the team's offense. The Nuggets will do everything they can to make things better around Jokic.
Besides replacing Booth and Malone, what should be the Nuggets' offseason priority to get back to championship status?
Wright: Defense needs to be prioritized, and the club could help itself by upgrading its bench. But it's unclear how the Nuggets will get there with minimum contracts, which are needed because they'll be a luxury tax team for the fourth year in a row and are expected to be hit with a hefty repeater tax penalty.
Marks: Because Denver is top heavy in salary (67% of the team's cap next season is tied up in Jokic, Murray, Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon), it has only the $5.6 million midlevel exception to use in free agency. In trades, the Nuggets are not allowed to take back salary because they are projected to be over the second apron. The Nuggets are also limited to what draft picks they can trade. They have a first- and second-rounder in 2032 available to send in a trade.
Kram: Build a bench that doesn't collapse every time Jokic leaves the floor. The Nuggets have a very strong starting lineup but minimal depth behind their top five, particularly after Christian Braun's successful promotion to the starting group. Maybe youngsters such as Peyton Watson and Julian Strawther will continue to develop. But the Nuggets also need to make better free agent decisions after whiffing on Dario Saric and Reggie Jackson while losing championship contributors Bruce Brown and Jeff Green. Denver's net rating is plus-9.9 with Jokic on the floor, the mark of a championship contender, but minus-8.7 without him, which is the same as the Pelicans' 28th-ranked net rating.
Herring: A far better defense that doesn't require the offense to be as efficient as it has been for the majority of the season. And with Murray and Porter largely unable to keep the reserve unit afloat when Jokic is off the floor, Denver clearly needs better bench play, too. The Nuggets, who rank fifth in 3-point percentage but dead last in 3-point attempts, also need far more volume from long range.
Youngmisuk: The Nuggets have to surround Jokic with the best players possible, whether that's with the supporting cast and a better second unit or potentially a new coaching voice from the sideline. Maximizing the championship window around Jokic has to be the priority. Nothing else should matter.

Former major league pitcher Octavio Dotel was among the dozens who died after the roof of an iconic nightclub collapsed in the Dominican Republic early Tuesday morning, the Dominican National Police confirmed.
Officials said at least 58 people were killed, a number that also included Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the northwestern province of Monte Cristi and sister of seven-time MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz. Another 160 people were injured, according to the Dominican civil defense.
The collapse occurred around 1 a.m. during a merengue concert, which drew athletes, politicians and others to the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, the Dominican capital. It wasn't immediately clear what caused the roof to collapse.
The Professional Baseball League of the Dominican Republic also confirmed Dotel's death on social media.
Dotel, who logged 36 saves for the Houston Astros and the Athletics in 2004, was pulled from the rubble about six hours after the collapse and was transported to a hospital.
"Dotel was taken to one of the designated hospitals. On the way there, his condition worsened and he died," Dominican National Police spokesperson Diego Pesqueira said.
Dotel, 51, started his major league career in 1999 with the New York Mets. In 2011, he helped the St. Louis Cardinals win a World Series. During his 15 years in the majors, Dotel recorded 109 saves and logged a 3.78 ERA.
We are heartbroken to learn the tragic news that former Astros pitcher Octavio Dotel was one of several individuals that passed away when a roof collapsed in his native Dominican Republic last night.
Dotel, 51, spent five seasons (2000-04) of his outstanding, 15-year Major... pic.twitter.com/wQui3h7rko
Houston Astros (@astros) April 8, 2025
Nelsy Cruz had called President Luis Abinader at 12:49 a.m. saying that she was trapped and that the roof had collapsed, first lady Raquel Arbaje told reporters. Officials said Cruz died later at the hospital.
"This is too great a tragedy," an emotional Arbaje said.
President Abinader, who was at the scene, wrote on X that all rescue agencies are "working tirelessly" to help those affected.
Nearly 12 hours after the top of the nightclub collapsed down onto patrons, rescue crews were still pulling survivors out of the debris. At the scene, firefighters removed blocks of broken concrete and sawed planks of wood to use them to lift heavy debris as the noise of drills breaking through concrete filled the air.
"We have faith in God that we will rescue even more people alive," Abinader told reporters.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Earlier, former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini battled back from a set down to knock out German top seed Alexander Zverev.
Defeat for second-ranked Zverev means that Jannik Sinner is guaranteed to remain as world number one when he returns from his three-month doping ban at the Italian Open in May.
Zverev twice broke Berrettini's serve in a commanding opening set but the Italian seized his first opportunity of the match in set two to force a decider.
Berrettini served for the match at 5-3 in the third, but Zverev responded with a good return game to level the set.
However, Berrettini broke once again and held his nerve to serve out a tense 68-minute third set.
Following the biggest win of his career by ranking, Berrettini awaits either compatriot Lorenzo Musetti or Czech Jiri Lehecka in round three.
Also on Tuesday, defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas came back from a set down to beat Australian Jordan Thompson 4-6 6-4 6-2.

Northampton Saints have signed Italy international prop Danilo Fischetti from Zebre for next season.
The 27-year-old picked up his 50th cap for the Azzurri during this year's Six Nations and has previously played in England for London Irish.
He said: "The competitiveness and the support from the fans across the league is very good.
"I remember coming into Franklin's Gardens for the first time a few years ago and being blown away by the place, and the way the supporters got behind the team was really crazy.
"The opportunity to play for Northampton is incredible. I enjoyed watching the team win the Premiership title last year, and repeating that is a huge target for me I am coming here to try to win trophies."
Director of rugby Phil Dowson said: "Danilo was very much the standout candidate when we looked around at loosehead props to boost our front-row options next season.
"He has a huge amount to offer in the loose as well, both in attack and defence, and we are confident we can continue to help him improve so he can have even greater impacts on games. He'll be a huge asset for us."
Earlier on Tuesday Northampton confirmed that Tom Seabrook, Tarek Haffar and Reuben Logan will leave the club at the end of the season.
Venter banned after 'making contact with eye' of Cole

"It was decided that the offending was at the mid-range of World Rugby's sanctions and 12 weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point."
The independent disciplinary committee took into account "the player's timely acceptance that he had committed an act of foul play that would have warranted a red card, his expression of remorse, clean disciplinary record and good conduct and full participation in the disciplinary hearing".
It therefore "decided to reduce the sanction by the maximum of 50% before imposing a six-week suspension".
The incident with Cole took place in the second minute at Scotstoun and, afterwards, Glasgow attack coach Nigel Carolan called Venter "a gentleman", insisting "whatever happened was an accident".
On the prospect of losing a key player for such an important game in Dublin, Carolan added: "It would be unfortunate because he's such a good-natured person.
"It's not in his intention to hurt anyone or to cause harm, especially with all the cameras that are around. It's kind of silly, but it was just unfortunate and something that we'll just have to deal with."
Venter will join French club Brive at the end of the season.
Cardiff set for administration with WRU in line for takeover

Cardiff is regarded as one of the grand club names in world rugby.
Greats of the game including Cliff Morgan, Bleddyn Williams, Sir Gareth Edwards, Barry John, Terry Holmes, John Scott, Neil Jenkins, Jonah Lomu, Gethin Jenkins and Sam Warburton have all worn the Cardiff shirt in different guises.
Cardiff Rugby were formed in 1876 following an amalgamation between Cardiff Wanderers and the Glamorgan Football Club and the first game took place on December 2, 1876, against Newport RFC.
The Blue & Blacks became universally acknowledged as one of the world's most famous and successful sides.
Playing at Cardiff Arms Park, they claimed victories over major touring teams, including Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, and achieved numerous national honours.
With the advent of regional rugby in 2003, Cardiff was granted its own standalone professional team.
They initially played under the Cardiff Blues brand, with a semi-professional Cardiff RFC side beneath them playing in the Welsh Premiership.
The region originally encompassed Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan but following the demise of the Celtic Warriors in 2004, Cardiff club took on responsibility for a wider area that included Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr and Powys.
Cardiff dropped the 'Blues' title in 2021 when they were rebranded as Cardiff Rugby.
In the regional era, Cardiff have won the European Challenge Cup twice in 2010 and 2018.
SPEED SPORT 1 IS THE NEW TV HOME FOR TRANS AM, FR AMERICAS, F4 U.S., AND LIGIER JFC

MOORESVILLE, N.C. Parella Motorsports Holdings, owner of the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli, Formula Regional Americas Championship (FR Americas), Formula 4 United States Championship (F4 U.S.) and Ligier Junior Formula Championship (Ligier JFC), has partnered with the live motorsports network SPEED SPORT 1 to broadcast and market its marquee road racing events and to help develop and distribute both archival and new programming.
In addition to Trans Am, FR Americas, F4 U.S. and Ligier JFC, PMH owns Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA), Prototype Sprint Series Association presented by Hankook (PSSA) and International GT (IGT). Select events from each series will be shown live or tape delayed on SPEED SPORT 1.
Trans Ams 12-round national championship, which includes the premier TA class, the extremely competitive CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 Series and the XGT, SGT, GT and GT1 production classes, will be televised live on SPEED SPORT 1. The first two rounds, which aired on SS1 Sebring and Road Atlanta drew record viewership for the series.
The relationship between the Trans Am Series and SPEED SPORT dates back decades. Nearly 60 years ago, the March 30, 1966 issue of National Speed Sport News reported the very first Trans Am race, and the outlet has covered nearly every Trans Am race since. Today, SPEED SPORT has evolved into a complete motorsports media company, and with the success of its own television network, SPEED SPORT 1, will support Trans Am on every level while exposing the series to millions of new fans.
We could not be more excited to be bringing the Trans Am Series to SPEED SPORT 1, said Andy Lally, President of the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli.. With our diverse classes and 75-minute race format, we believe our series produces some of the most exciting road course racing in the country, and its our objective to expose it to the widest possible audience. SPEED SPORT 1 is free and available almost everywhere, from Amazon Prime to Roku, SlingTV and more, making it accessible to all of our fans across North America and around the world.
In addition to its Trans Am coverage, SPEED SPORT 1 will also provide live coverage of select FR Americas, F4 U.S. and Ligier JFC races. With the 2025 season of FR Americas comprised of 21 races, F4 U.S. promoting 18 rounds and Ligier JFC featuring 16 events, races that arent broadcast live will air on tape delay, allowing viewers to watch the entire season.
Were thrilled to bring FR Americas, F4 U.S. and Ligier JFC to motorsports enthusiasts around the world, said Scott Goodyear, President of FR Americas, F4 U.S. and Ligier JFC. The exposure potential thats available to our drivers, teams and partners through SPEED SPORT 1s diverse streaming platform provides a great opportunity for added value, while also allowing our drivers to showcase their talent to new audiences. Were thrilled to work with SPEED SPORT 1, and look forward to showcasing why Parella Motorsports Holdings open-wheel ladder is among the best in the world.
SPEED SPORT 1, which launched in 2023, is a FAST channel Free, Ad-Supported Streaming Television network. It is available on mainstream platforms with reach exceeding 200 million monthly active users, including Amazon Prime, Roku Channel, PlutoTV, SlingTV and more. SS1 is accessible for free to anyone with an internet-connected TV, mobile device, computer or gaming console.
With a focus on live domestic motorsports, SPEED SPORT 1 is backed by the oldest and most trusted brand in motorsports SPEED SPORT, and is owned and managed by partners with key leadership experience at ESPN, Speedvision, MAVTV, MTV, Disney, SPEED Channel, and Motortrend TV. No subscription or fees are required. SS1 is already a leading destination for live and fresh racing action from across the country and around the world.
SPEED SPORT will provide crucial marketing and editorial support of the events through its cornerstone motorsports news website, SPEEDSPORT.com, its wildly-popular daily racing newsletter, The Daily, extensive social media reach, and via its news and studio television programming.
We are thrilled to add the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli, as well as FR Americas, F4 U.S., Ligier JFC and all the associated series owned by Parella Motorsports Holdings to our SPEED SPORT 1 lineup, said Joe Tripp, SPEED SPORT CEO. Trans Am is one of the pillars of our programming strategy. Its positioning as the longest-running professional road racing series in North America, as well as our shared history, makes it the perfect fit as we align our programming to match what our brand is known for the best of American short track, stock car, drag racing, off-road racing and road racing. And of course, its all available free with no fees or subscription required.
2025 Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli Schedule
Broadcast times will be announced soon. See SPEEDSPORT1.com for listings. Tickets and event information at GoTransAm.com
- Sonoma Raceway April 24 27
- WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca May 2-4
- Lime Rock Park May 23 26
- Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course June 19 22
Road America June 26 29 - Watkins Glen International July 11 13
- Canadian Tire Motorsport Park August 28 31
VIRginia International Raceway September 18 21 - Barber Motorsports Park October 17 19
- Circuit of The Americas Oct 30 November 2
2025 FR Americas, F4 U.S. & Ligier JFC Schedule
Broadcast times will be announced soon. See SPEEDSPORT1.COM for listings. Tickets and event information is available on each series respective website or at SpeedTour.net.
- Road America May 15-18 (FR Americas, F4 U.S., Ligier JFC)
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway June 12-15 (FR Americas)
- Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course June 19-22 (FR Americas, F4 U.S., Ligier JFC)
- New Jersey Motorsports Park July 31-August 3 (FR Americas, F4 U.S., Ligier JFC)
- Canadian Tire Motorsport Park August 28-31 (FR Americas, F4 U.S.)
- VIRginia International Raceway September 18-21 (FR Americas, F4 U.S., Ligier JFC)
- Barber Motorsports Park October 17-19 (FR Americas, F4 U.S., Ligier JFC)
About Parella Motorsports Holdings
Parella Motorsports Holdings (PMH) owns several major road racing series and hosts racing festivals across the United States under the SpeedTour brand name. With Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA), The Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli, Formula Regional Americas Championship (FR Americas), Formula 4 United States Championship (F4 U.S.), Ligier Junior Formula Championship (Ligier JFC), International GT (IGT) and Prototype Sprint Series Association presented by Hankook (PSSA), events feature a diverse range of cars, including vintage and historic racecars, modern Trans Am vehicles, open wheel and sports cars. Additionally, PMH also holds the long-term commercial rights to SCCA Pro Racing, which sanctions Trans Am, FR Americas, F4 U.S., Formula Race Promotions and Formula 2000. With 24 events on the 2025 schedule, SpeedTour will exceed 6,000 entries. Featuring elements like racing, car shows and concerts, SpeedTour events often attract more than 25,000 spectators. Several races are broadcast live on SPEED SPORT 1, with many others live streamed at SpeedTour.TV and covered by SpeedTour Magazine. By blending tradition with innovation, the organization strives to create unparalleled experiences for drivers, teams, sponsors and spectators. For more information about PMH and its SpeedTour events, visit speedtour.net.
About SPEED SPORT 1
SPEED SPORT 1 is the first network dedicated to FREE, LIVE motorsports, presenting hundreds of live events and thousands of hours of premium motorsport content and lifestyle programming from around the globe annually. Designed for the sports most passionate fans, SPEED SPORT 1, along with SPEED SPORT, Americas oldest and most trusted motorsports media brand celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2024, has assembled a team with backgrounds at ESPN, Speedvision, Speed Channel, FS1, NASCAR, MTV, Disney, and MAVTV to develop a television network dedicated to motorsports most passionate fans.
For more information, visit SPEEDSPORT1.com.
Power Rankings: Palou No. 1, Hamlin Makes A Big Move

Its time for a new edition of SPEED SPORT Power Rankings. Who will be on top this week?
- Alex Palou
Despite an off weekend, three-time NTT IndyCar Series champion Alex Palou remained at the top of the power rankings this week. Palou has won both NTT IndyCar Series races this season. His season resumes at this weekends Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. Last Week: 1
- Denny Hamlin
With his second consecutive NASCAR Cup Series victory Sunday at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway, Denny Hamlin jumped to second in the power rankings. Last Week: Not Ranked
- David Gravel
Reigning World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series champion David Gravel leads the series with five victories this season. Last Week: 3
- Bobby Pierce
Bobby Pierce has won eight dirt late model features this season. Last Week: 4
- Greg Anderson
Six-time NHRA Pro Stock champion romped to his second victory in three races this season, topping the 65th Winternationals at Pomona, Calif. Anderson leads the standings after three races. Last Week: 5
- Kyle Larson
Kyle Larson was involved in a pair of crashes Sunday at Darlington Raceway. Larson has a Cup Series victory and has also won in the Craftsman Truck Series, the World of Outlaws and High Limit Racing this season. Last Week: 2
- Devin Moran
Devin Moran has won four Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series races this season, including the Indiana Icebreaker. Last Week: 6
- Lando Norris
Lando Norris has a victory and two second-place finish in three Formula 1 races this season. He leads the standings. Last Week: 7
- Christopher Bell
A three-time NASCAR Cup Series winner this season, Christopher Bell finished third Sunday at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway. Last Week: 9
- Cole Butcher
Cole Butcher earned his second consecutive ASA STARS National Tour victory Saturday at Virginias Dominion Raceway. Last Week: Not Ranked
On The Move: Denny Hamlin earned his second straight NASCAR Cup Series victory and the 56th of his career, moving him to second in the power rankings.
What To Watch For?: NASCAR goes to Bristol, NHRA goes four-wide in Sin City and its the 50th running of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.
Dropped Out: NHRA Top Fuel point leader Shawn Langdon and late model racer Ricky Thornton Jr. dropped from the top 10 in the power rankings.