Real Madrid condemn fan for alleged Nazi salute — and more

Real Madrid have launched an investigation after a supporter allegedly performed a Nazi salute before the club's Champions League win against Benfica on Wednesday.

Prior to the kick-off at the Bernabeu, a fan appeared to make the fascist gesture as the television cameras panned around the 83,000-seater stadium.

The fan was identified by security staff moments later and ejected from the ground.

Real beat Portuguese side Benfica 2-1 in the second leg of their knockout round play-off tie to progress 3-1 on aggregate to the last 16 of the Champions League.

In a statement, the Spanish club said they have asked its disciplinary committee "to initiate an immediate expulsion procedure" for the fan.

"Real Madrid condemns this type of gesture and expression that incites violence and hatred in sports and society," it added.

• Real Madrid win 'for everyone who stands against racism'
• 'He was always going to score' - Real beat Benfica to reach last 16

The incident comes after Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr alleged he was racially abused by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni during the first leg in Lisbon.

The 25-year-old Brazilian, who scored the only goal of the game, informed the referee he had been racially abused by Prestianni and the game was halted for 10 minutes after he and his Madrid team-mates left the pitch.

Argentine winger Prestianni was subsequently handed a provisional one-match ban and missed the second leg after Uefa rejected Benfica's appeal against his suspension. He could still face further punishment, pending the result of a full Uefa investigation.

Vinicius, who scored Madrid's winner on 80 minutes, received support by the home fans as a banner with the words "no to racism" in Spanish was displayed in the stands before kick-off.

His team-mate Aurelien Tchouameni also said the win was "for everyone who stands against racism".

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We asked for your views on if you think two strikers up top is the right short-term move? If you scroll down this page and read Mike Taylor's column, you'll see it's something ex-Villa man Steve Froggatt has been calling for.

Here are some of your comments:

Rob: Watkins is struggling, play Tammy as the number nine. Bailey is a liability, so maybe try Watkins on the right, he has the pace and will track back, definitely think it's worth a shot.

Joe: Watkins has scored one goal every 4.6 games this season in all competitions which is woeful. He needs assistance from Abraham with two up front or Tammy needs a crack at it himself as a lone target striker.

Martin: Two up front until the heart of midfield is back feels perfect. Emery has played it with us before with Rogers and Watkins. Abraham is perfect for pressing and hanging about in the box whereas Watkins will hold up play and not press as hard as Abraham. A 4-4-2 is a brilliant old school formation that Villa will thrive with until Tielemans, McGinn and Kamara are back.

Harvey: I do think that two up top is the right move for us right now because of our midfield problem. We can play Emery's 4-4-2 plus, as much as I love Ollie, he just isn't clinical enough for where we want to be, but is creative. And Tammy is clinical!

Sam: I'd just leave it with Unai. Even a genius like him will take a few game weeks to have worked out his best formation following the injuries to Kamara, McGinn and Tielemans. I'm sure he'll make the changes required to help us keep the pressure on the top two, and the chasing pack. The Tammy and Ollie show does have a good ring to it though!

Rob: I can't see it working on a recurring basis if I'm honest. When we try to attack directly in front of goal, I think our tactics rely too much on Ollie in a way that doesn't seem to happen when Tammy Abraham's been playing instead. Having seen Tammy play well as a sole striker and watching Watkins struggle without service while Tielemans and McGinn have been injured, I think it just makes more tactical sense to bench Ollie and start Tammy at the moment.

Prit: I think if we had a fully fit Ollie Watkins having two up front with Tammy Abraham would work. However, I'm not sure Ollie is fully fit and he is struggling to get up to speed with the game. If Watkins is injured, just take some time out and get fit and come back stronger.

The Washington Commanders need serious help at edge rusher. Whether it's through free agency or the 2026 NFL Draft, or both, expect the Commanders to be heavily involved in the pass-rush market.

On Wednesday, draft prospects took the podium at the 2026 NFL combine in Indianapolis, and we learned who some of the players Washington met with this week. The Commanders, who hold the No. 7 overall pick, met with Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, Miami edge Rueben Bain Jr., Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love and Texas Tech edge David Bailey, among others. What's notable about these four is that all are contenders to be picked seventh overall by Washington.

Each of these players, along with Ohio State safety Caleb Downs are among the players often mentioned for the Commanders in mock drafts. Bailey, the All-American with 12.5 sacks last season for the Red Raiders, is most mentioned as heading to Washington.

When asked about going to the Commanders by Donna Hopkins on Wednesday, Bailey was all smiles.

"Yeah, I've talked to them and I'm willing to do anything for them," Bailey said with a smile. "Pass rusher, special teams, anything, I'm just going to be grateful for the opportunities."

Pro Football Plus: Look at that big smile on Texas Tech pass rusher David Bailey when I asked him about the Commanders. Sounds like he would like to play in Washington because he said he would play anywhere for them. pic.twitter.com/fS9JW5NZyf

— Donna Hopkins (@DonnaHopkins_) February 25, 2026

The Commanders have a new defensive coordinator, Daronte Jones. Jones is expected to run a similar scheme as Brian Flores does with the Vikings, where your edge rushers are versatile defenders. That fits Bailey.

Most Washington fans would be elated to land Bailey — if he makes it that far.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: 2026 NFL combine: David Bailey all smiles when asked about Commanders

One and a half years before the launch of the planned NBA Europe league, many things are still unclear, according to the managing director of the basketball Bundesliga.

"There are still many questions and the NBA is called upon to answer them," Stefan Holz told dpa.

"We also need to work with the other European leagues to develop a common position, formulate questions, and take a stance," he added.

The NBA and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) need to "do more" in this regard, demanded the Bundesliga boss. "At the moment, there are still more questions than answers."

The NBA plans to start an European league in October 2027. Details about participants, format and financial aspects are expected to be clarified by the end of March.

Europe already has a successful EuroLeague competition but the NBA wants a piece of the action.

In Germany, top teams Alba Berlin and Bayern Munich are the strongest candidates to join NBA Europe.