3 reasons why Real Madrid beat Liverpool in Champions League final

Never rule out Real Madrid in this competition. Exactly eight months after a group-stage defeat to Sheriff Tiraspol seemed to signal the end of an era for the Spanish giants, Carlo Ancelotti’s experienced side overcame Liverpool in the Champions League final with a 1-0 win. The victory marks Real Madrid’s record-extending 14th European Cup success. […]

76ers violate injury reporting rules, fined $50,000

7:32 PM ET Tim BontempsESPN PHILADELPHIA — The NBA announced Saturday night that the 76ers have been fined $50,000 for violating league injury reporting rules for their handling of Joel Embiid in the lead-up to the club’s 99-79 Game 3 victory over the Miami Heat Friday. The NBA said the 76ers “failed to disclose center-forward […]

NFL plans diversity event for future coaches, GMs

In an effort to address its problems with diversity in its coaching and front-office ranks, the NFL will hold a seminar for 64 prospective head-coaching and general manager candidates at its annual spring owners meeting later this month in Atlanta. According to a memo obtained by ESPN, which was sent to NFL team owners, head […]

Rangers stun RB Leipzig to face Frankfurt in Europa League final

Eintracht Frankfurt hadn’t played in a European final in 42 years. Rangers slipped into administration a short decade ago. Both are now back in the big time. Frankfurt and Rangers booked their places in the Europa League final after winning their semifinal matchups on Thursday. Frankfurt shut out 10-man West Ham United to advance 3-1 […]

4 thoughts from Real Madrid's epic comeback against Manchester City

The Champions League served us another classic. Below, theScore examines the biggest talking points from Real Madrid’s unlikely victory against Manchester City on Wednesday. Ancelotti’s subs make the difference When Real Madrid need a spark, Carlo Ancelotti always looks to his bench. And more often than not, he finds the answer. For all the talk […]

3 thoughts from Liverpool's rousing victory over Villarreal

Liverpool withstood Villarreal’s furious comeback bid on Tuesday to reach the Champions League final once again, ultimately coming away with a 5-2 aggregate victory. Below, we dissect the biggest talking points from a thrilling encounter in Spain. Fighting fire with fire Villarreal were jittery in last Wednesday’s first leg. Their decision-making and composure were fractured […]

Lions couldn't pass up chance to grab 'game-changer' WR Jameson Williams

6:00 AM ET Eric WoodyardESPN ALLEN PARK, Mich. — Once Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes and the front office identified their top prospects ahead of last weekend’s NFL draft, they began gauging the possibility of trading up to acquire a second high pick on Day 1. But not just for anyone, it had to […]

Celtics 'hit in mouth' by Bucks in physical Game 1

6:27 PM ET Andrew LopezESPN BOSTON — The Milwaukee Bucks punched first. In Sunday’s Game 1 against the Boston Celtics, the Bucks played with their usual level of physicality on defense and it seemed to catch Boston off guard. After jumping ahead in the first quarter, the Celtics couldn’t find their footing the rest of […]

49ers make Iowa State QB Purdy 'Mr. Irrelevant'

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Before Saturday, Iowa State Cyclones quarterback Brock Purdy had a wide range of potential outcomes in mind for his football future. In the days leading up to the NFL draft, he had been told he could be drafted as early as Round 4 or go undrafted entirely. As it turned out, […]