We spent last evening at Professor Thom's , the Boston sports bar here in New York City. (Apparently, it used to be Riviera's, but then some bartenders got fired, or something; it's difficult to keep track of such matters.) We were engulfed in a swarm of New Englanders, the people who, over the last several years, have celebrated titles, and celebrated titles, and celebrated titles. We saw every inch of their joy last night. (Not a euphemism!) And you know what? It wasn't so bad. It was really fun. The goofy looks around the bar at halftime betrayed any fear of jinxing; this title was happening, and one couldn't pretend otherwise. The dominance of the Celtics was overwhelming, all-encompassing and enthralling; it really had the feel of a Harlem Globetrotters-Washington Generals game. Down the stretch, it was like a band winding down a great set. There's Big Baby Davis with a dunk! Leon Powe! Eddie House! Give it up for James Posey! Everybody got their moment. What drama was sucked out by the blowout was more than made up for by the emotional earthquake afterwards; we were legitimately frightened Kevin Garnett was going to explode into a splash of blood and confetti. It was a celebration, a reminder of what Boston basketball once was and what it was again. We found it best not to attach the Celtics to the Patriots and the Red Sox; let the true diehards have their moment, for they had earned it. (Though if the Celtics win again next year, all bets are off.) We'll talk about Kobe Bryant and how no one can ever think of him the same, no matter what happens the rest of his career, a little later. For now, we congratulate the Celtics and their fans; these come along rarely, even for Boston fans, and must be held as tightly, for as long, as possible. Relatedbest online betting sitesnew sportsbook sitesbest mobile betting appsonline live bettinglive streaming on sportsbooksbest betting sites with cash out
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Asensio started the 2017-18 season strongly, scoring in both legs of the Supercopa de Espana triumph over Barcelona, but struggled to retain a place in Zinedine Zidane s star-studded side.
The 22-year-old signed a six-year contract, which reportedly includes a €700million buyout clause, at the Santiago Bernabeu last September, but has been linked with an off-season switch to Anfield.
Asensio came off the bench in Spain s World Cup win over Iran and the 2-2 draw against Morocco on Monday a result that sent them through to the last 16 as Group B winners and says the national team is his sole focus for the time being.
Manchester City have distanced themselves from reports that they are to move for Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk, .
The Netherlands international has been one of the stand-out players in his position in the Premier League this year, attracting attention from many of the Saints’ rivals.
However, Pep Guardiola has insisted that he is not interested in securing the defenders services and is sure that the South Coast club would not sell to another team in England’s top flight either way.
Van Dijk moved to St. Mary’s Stadium from Celtic in the summer of 2015 and has since racked up sixty-three appearances in all competitions, scoring five goals the last of which came in a 1-1 draw with Hapoel Be’er Sheva in the Europa League earlier this month.
Stefano Pioli feels Milan dropped two points against Roma despite Alexis Saelemaekers snatching a draw with a 97th-minute equaliser at Stadio Olimpico on Saturday.
The Rossoneri headed into the match in the Champions League places but above fifth-placed Roma on just goal difference, and it appeared the Giallorossi would leapfrog Pioli s men as Tammy Abraham scored in the 94th minute with the match s first shot on target.
But with Roma seconds away from a huge win, Saelemaekers turned home from Rafael Leao s deep cross to break the hosts hearts and keep Milan in the top four.
Despite his team snatching a draw at the death, Pioli still felt Milan dropped two points, with city rivals Inter just three points behind and with a game in hand.
When asked if Roma …
Much has been said about La Liga in the last few months. The main focus of attention has been with eternal rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona. Real Madrid s big spending has put Los Blancos back on par with the European champions
It was just assumed that the two giants would be the only teams competing for the La Liga crown. However Sevilla who finished third in La Liga last season are looking stronger than they have for along time.
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Sevilla have something this season that they have lacked in previous season that is strength in depth. They now possess 20 quality squad players.
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Mauricio Pochettino has rubbished reports Tottenham could sign Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero.
Aguero has not scored in his last six City appearances and was left out of the starting line-up to face Barcelona in the Champions League last week, leading to reports in the Spanish media that Spurs could swoop for the Argentina international.
Pep Guardiola has insisted Aguero remains an important player for City, and now Pochettino has laughed off transfer links with his club.
Asked at a media conference before Tottenham s game with Leicester City whether the reports were accurate, Pochettino said: Not true, 100 per cent not true.
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Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone knows his side can t afford to drop points this weekend.
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And if results go against Diego Simeone’s men, Atletico Madrid could find themselves six points adrift in the title race.
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Luis Suarez will depart Nacional in November when his contract ends, says club president Jose Fuentes.
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Prediction: France to win 2-1
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France and Austria will face each other in 2022–23 UEFA Nations League Group A1 this week. The match will be held at Stade de France in Saint-Denis and is scheduled to kick off at 7:45pm UK time on Thursday.
France
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