Manolo González rued his side’s poor defensive performance as Villarreal put four goals past Espanyol in a Monday night thrashing at the Estadio de la Cerámica.

Espanyol have struggled for form since Christmas with Monday’s 4-1 loss extending their winless run to six games across all competitions, and González stressed that “we need to reset now.”

“We’ve got to find our competitiveness again. We need to reset now; we need to go back to attacking without conceding.

Villarreal took a two-goal lead into the break after an acrobatic finish from Georges Mikautadze and an own goal from Jose Salinas.

“The first half shouldn’t have been a 2-0 scoreline, no way. In the second half, we tried to push forward, but they caught us on the transition and killed the game off.

“Villarreal are a talented team, but the goals were avoidable,” the 47-year-old commented post-match.

“They went to the limit and we didn’t. We didn’t finish our counterattacks and we couldn’t get ourselves ahead on the scoreboard, and then the third goal at the start of the second half complicated the match.

“We have to look forward and get back to our best, giving everything on the pitch. We’ve got to take a step forward and turn this situation around.”

The next two fixtures aren’t likely to be kind to the Catalan side, who host an in-form Celta Vigo side on Saturday before making the trip to face third-placed Atlético Madrid a week later.

So another NFL season has come and gone, ending last evening with the Super Bowl, which was won by the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle won the old school way, or the way I would prefer our very own Miami Dolphins to play. A stifling defense based on a solid pass rush and a solid secondary, and an offense with one of the better or best offensive lines and a back or two who can run it down your throat even when the opponent knows that you are going to run it down their throats.

The NFL is, if nothing else, a copycat league. There is more than one organization that saw the beatdown that the New England Patriots took last night and decided that they needed to do more of that, whichever part of the above they wanted to embrace and emulate. The run game didn’t destroy the Patriots, but it was enough to keep the offense moving, even if it ended in field goals more often than not.

Sam Darnold did make some plays, and some of those were very lucky not be picked, but after a while, you could tell that Seattle could feel it on defense and went into more of a play-it-safe mode overall. On the other side of the coin, Drake Maye was pestered all night, making him look more like the second-year player he is than the MVP runner-up that he also is. Maye had two touchdowns to Darnold’s one, but he also took seven sacks and threw two costly interceptions. Darnold threw no interceptions and took only one sack.

As a side note, the one highlight for the Patriots was Christian Gonzalez, who was the one player that seemed to keep the Pats somewhat in the game for more than a half. So now we have the dumb luck of facing that dude for the next several years twice a year.

So tonights Phinsider Question Of The Day is:

What did you, as a Miami Dolphins fan, see from last evening’s game and victory by the Seahawks that you hope the new front office and coaching staff employ in their own plan to rebuild this team to something that looks respectable? On the other side of things, what did you see Seattle do that you hope the Dolphins do not grasp onto in their own rebuild?

Please share your thoughts and answers in the comments section below-

Most seem to agree that the St. Louis Cardinals have had a very active and successful offseason, but how likely is it that they still might trade JoJo Romero? There are many questions including if, to who and when.

As of today, the St. Louis Cardinals are only days away from pitchers and catchers reporting to Spring Training in Jupiter, Florida. There are still rumblings that the trade winds haven’t stopped blowing yet as JoJo Romero is reportedly still being discussed with other teams. While I can’t confirm that anything is close, a trade of JoJo is still possible. The most recent reporting I can find about Romero’s status came from MLB Trade Rumors just a few days ago on February 6. They asked their audience if they believe the St. Louis Cardinals will complete another trade before opening day and nearly 66% said yes.

The teams that reportedly have expressed the most interest in JoJo Romero are the New York Yankees, the Seattle Mariners and the Baltimore Orioles also according to MLB Trade Rumors. I’ve also seen mock trades suggested from the Toronto Blue Jays, but cannot confirm if that interest is serious. I thought there was a chance we’d see JoJo moved along with Brendan Donovan when his trade to the Seattle Mariners happened, but the fact that it didn’t makes me think that Chaim Bloom may have a different timeline in mind for JoJo.

I’m wondering now if the St. Louis Cardinals are going to try and position JoJo Romero as a closer and then move him at the trade deadline when that market might be hot. That’s a gamble, but it might be the frame of mind that Chaim Bloom and his team have now that the ramp up to the season gets closer. I am reminded of an interview that the St. Louis Post-Dispatch had with JoJo late last season about what he learned from former Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley. Could it be that the Cardinals will set up closer by committee with JoJo and Riley O’Brien sharing that role?

Do you think that the St. Louis Cardinals will trade JoJo Romero? If the answer is yes, do you think it should happen before Opening Day or at the trade deadline? If no, why are you in favor of holding onto him? I think we’ll find out sooner rather than later of what the St. Louis Cardinals are thinking about the future of JoJo Romero whether he’s a prime trade opportunity now or a bigger trade chip as a closer near the deadline this summer.

Meet Alex Hall, the tall U.S. skiing star with background in Alaska, Switzerland and a gold medal past originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Alex Hall’s skis will be busy at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The U.S. star is involved in a few different events on the slopes, and so he’s a name worth knowing for those hoping to root for the United States.

He’s also hard to miss. He’s one of the tallest dudes out there.

So here’s a quick rundown on Hall.

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Who is Alex Hall?

Hall is a 27-year old American skiing star.

He was born in Fairbanks, Alaska, but he and his family moved to Switzerland soon after, and he lived there until he was 16.

He credits attending an annual event in Zurich called freestyle.ch for helping him become interested in skiing.

That certainly gave him experience on the slopes. When he returned to the U.S., he attended the Winter Sports School in Park City, Utah.

MORE: Jutta Leerdam, Jake Paul share golden moment with tears of joy

How tall is Alex Hall?

Hall is 6-foot-4.

That’s about as tall as you’re going to get in skiing.

Has Alex Hall won a gold medal?

Hall does have a gold medal in his past. 

He won gold in the 2022 Beijing Olympics in slopestyle.

Hall also has two world championship bronze medals in slopestyle.

In Winter X Games competition, Hall has seven gold medals.

Hall does have an Italian passport, but he has always competed internationally for the United States. He gives the U.S. a chance at more medals in these Games.

More Olympics news:

• This U.S. luge star was parodied on SNL
• NBC’s drone cameras have everyone’s attention
• The Winter Olympics mascots are adorable
• Mike Tirico had a crazy flight to get from the Super Bowl to the Olympics
• Chloe Kim has to make an adjustment at Olympics for injury
• Breezy Johnson won a gold medal for the U.S., and then she broke it

Real Madrid trips to Mestalla are rarely straightforward, and while the 2–0 scoreline suggests control, plenty of drama unfolded away from the goals. From sideline tension involving Kylian Mbappé to ugly scenes in the stands and a remarkably youthful defensive performance, here are a few moments from Sunday night that flew under the radar.

Mbappé’s Heated Exchange with the Officials

Kylian Mbappé was visibly frustrated with the officiating, particularly over an offside decision late in the first half. According to footage broadcast by DAZN, the French forward confronted the fourth official as players were heading down the tunnel at halftime, demanding clarification.

Mbappé questioned how the play could possibly be offside and asked for an explanation. The official responded by saying the call was determined by the broadcast camera angle and suggested discussing it inside the stadium. Mbappé agreed, insisting he wanted clarity because the decision made no sense to him.

However, the explanation never came. As players prepared to return for the second half, Mbappé once again approached the fourth official, clearly irritated that he had been brushed off. He complained that he had been asked to speak inside, only to be ignored entirely. Realizing the conversation was going nowhere, Mbappé turned to Eduardo Camavinga nearby and muttered his verdict on the refereeing crew, calling them “clowns.”

Ugly Scenes in the Stands at Mestalla

As has become increasingly common in recent visits to Mestalla, the tension wasn’t limited to the pitch. Movistar cameras captured an unsettling incident involving a Real Madrid supporter seated among Valencia fans during the second half.

The fan, wearing a Madrid scarf, was confronted by several local supporters. During the altercation, his scarf was taken from him and tossed into the air. When he climbed down to retrieve it, another Valencia fan aggressively snatched it away again, while others nearby appeared to scold the aggressor.

The situation escalated as the Madrid supporter was escorted away by police. From above, another individual leaned over the railing, attempted to strike him, and ultimately spat in his direction — all clearly visible on the broadcast.

This was not the only disturbing moment involving the crowd. Later in the match, when referee Alberola Rojas paused play so a spectator could receive medical attention, sections of the Mestalla crowd broke into chants of “Mbappé, son of a bitch,” further highlighting the toxic atmosphere.

Mbappé would have the final word on the night, though. On his first visit to Mestalla, after being kept quiet for much of the game, he sealed Madrid’s win with a late goal in stoppage time.

A Back Line Held Together by Kids

Lost amid the noise and controversy was one of the most impressive aspects of Madrid’s performance: a defense built almost entirely on youth.

With injuries piling up and several senior defenders unavailable or not fully fit, Raúl González Blanco and Álvaro Arbeloa (via squad circumstances) were forced into fielding an extraordinarily young back four. David Jiménez (21), Raúl Asensio (22), Dean Huijsen (20), and Álvaro Carreras (22) started together, giving the defense an average age of just over 21 years. All were Spanish, and all but Huijsen came through the club’s academy system.

It was a lineup more reminiscent of Castilla than a La Liga clash at Mestalla. With no Rüdiger, Alaba, Carvajal, Mendy, Militão, or Fran García available, Madrid’s defensive average age dipped below 22 — a staggering number for a league match of this magnitude.

And yet, the young back line barely put a foot wrong. Valencia were largely kept at arm’s length, Thibaut Courtois enjoyed one of his quietest nights in recent memory, and Madrid walked away with a clean sheet from one of the league’s most hostile venues.

Given the circumstances, the result was impressive. Given the age of the players tasked with seeing it through, it was even more so.

Good evening, folks. I hope your week has gotten off to a solid start and that this evening goes well for you, as well.

Here’s a random clip:

The Charles Bediako eligibility saga has come to a head for Alabama men’s basketball.

The motion for a temporary injunction has been denied by Judge Daniel Pruet, according to The Tuscaloosa News ― part of the USA TODAY Network ― on Monday, Feb. 9. That means the 7-foot center’s time with the Crimson Tide and return to college basketball are over.

The decision overturns the temporary restraining order by Judge James Roberts Jr. that Bediako received on Jan. 21 against the NCAA that made him immediately eligible.

Bediako originally played for Alabama from 2021 to 2023 before appearing in 82 games across three seasons in the G League.

The motion for a temporary injunction has been denied by Judge Daniel Pruet, according to court documents obtained by @tuscaloosanews. pic.twitter.com/C4cQFoWZYt

— Emilee Smarr (@emilee_smarr) February 9, 2026

REQUIRED READING: Jon Scheyer says Duke staff member injured during UNC court storm ‘doing better’

Roberts, since then, recused himself from the case due to a conflict of interest as an Alabama donor.

In an NCAA affidavit filed on Thursday, Feb. 5, in Tuscaloosa County (Alabama), SEC commissioner Greg Sankey asked the court to rule against Bediako, siding with the NCAA.

“I respectfully ask the Court to uphold the NCAA eligibility rules challenged in this case, which are essential to the integrity of college sports, to the educational mission they serve, and to the opportunities they provide for current and future student-athletes,” Sankey wrote in the affidavit.

Bediako appeared in five games for the Crimson Tide, averaging 10 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game in 21.6 minutes. He had 12 points in Alabama’s 96-92 win over Alabama on Saturday, Feb. 7.

The NCAA’s argument against Bediako’s eligibility is that he signed multiple professional contracts since leaving Alabama after the 2022-23 season, which make him ineligible to return to the sport, according to the organization’s longstanding eligibility rules.

Bediako’s return to college basketball is happening during a period when several former G League players have been added to college rosters for this season.

NCAA statement on Charles Bediako being ruled ineligible

NCAA President Charlie Baker released a statement on Bediako being ruled ineligible on Monday, Feb. 9.

“Common sense won a round today. The court saw this for what it is: an attempt by professionals to pivot back to college and crowd out the next generation of students,” he wrote in a statement released on social media.

NCAA President Charlie Baker statement:
“Common sense won a round today. The court saw this for what it is: an attempt by professionals to pivot back to college and crowd out the next generation of students. College sports are for students, not for people who already walked away…

— NCAA News (@NCAA_PR) February 9, 2026

“College sports are for students, not for people who already walked away to go pro and now want to hit the ‘undo’ button at the expense of a teenager’s dream. While we’re glad the court upheld the rules our members actually want, one win doesn’t fix the national mess of state laws. It’s time for Congress to stop watching from the sidelines and help us provide some actual stability.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Charles Bediako ruled ineligible by Tuscaloosa County judge

Shorthanded Western Conference heavyweights go head-to-head tonight as the Los Angeles Lakers host the Oklahoma City Thunder.

With Luka Doncic out, LeBron James should operate as LA’s primary facilitator, and my Thunder vs. Lakers predictions expect him to get teammates involved early and often.

Here are my best free NBA picks for Monday, February 9.

Thunder vs Lakers prediction

Thunder vs Lakers best bet: LeBron James Over 7.5 assists (-130)

LeBron James is averaging 6.8 dimes per game this season, including 7.4 at home. He’s dished 8+ dimes in 13 of 34 appearances overall, including seven of 16 at home. 

In four games with Luka Doncic sidelined, James has averaged 8.8 assists and handed out 8+ three times. 

James has handed out 10 assists in back-to-back games, and he’ll operate as the Los Angeles Lakers’ primary facilitator tonight in what could be a high-scoring matchup at home. I’ll take the Over on a modest assists line.

Thunder vs Lakers same-game parlay

The Los Angeles Lakers have covered in seven of their last 10 games, including three straight. The Oklahoma City Thunder are just 4-5-1 ATS across their last 10 appearances. Both teams will be without their star point guards, but the Lakers have played too well to be spotted seven points at home.

Both teams have hit the Over in 28 games, and despite the absences of Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, they each have enough firepower to hit the Over on this modest line. The Lakers are 5-1 to the Over as the home underdog, and the Thunder are 13-11 as the road favorite.

Thunder vs Lakers SGP

• LeBron James Over 7.5 assists
• Lakers +7
• Over 223

Our “from downtown” SGP: Welcome to La-La land

Chet Holmgren is pulling down 8.7 rebounds per game this season, but he’s corralled 9.8 across his last 14 appearances and reached the Over on this line 10 times. Even with Isaiah Hartenstein back in the fold, Holmgren has grabbed 10+ rebounds in two straight with Hartenstein available. 

Thunder vs Lakers SGP

• LeBron James Over 7.5 assists
• Lakers +7
• Over 223
• Chet Holmgren Over 8.5 rebounds

Thunder vs Lakers odds

• Spread: Thunder -7 | Lakers +7
• Moneyline: Thunder -260 | Lakers +210
• Over/Under: Over 233 | Under 233

Thunder vs Lakers betting trend to know

The Los Angeles Lakers have covered the 4Q Spread in 32 of their last 50 games (+10.60 Units / 18% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Thunder vs. Lakers.

How to watch Thunder vs Lakers

Thunder vs Lakers latest injuries

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here