Connacht Rugby travel to South Africa to face the DHL Stormers in a URC clash that has shifted significantly following squad announcements and major betting movement.

The handicap has moved from Stormers -16.5 to -20.5, reflecting just how weakened this Connacht side is for the trip.

Connacht Squad: Key Absentees and New Look Side

Connacht are without Bundee Aki, Finlay Bealham, Mack Hansen and out-half Josh Ioane — a huge loss of experience, leadership and attacking threat.

That’s some team starting against Connacht, Ten Springboks in the Stormers starting line-up.

The handicap was -21, I’d imagine it will be over 30pts. After a good run, I hope last week and this week doesn’t knock confidence. I’d take 70pts to 20pts and get a try bonus point.

DHL Stormers: Warrick Gelant, Damian Willemse, Ruhan Nel (CAPT), Dan du Plessis, Leolin Zas, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Cobus Reinach, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Scarra Ntubeni, Zachary Porthen, Adré Smith, JD Schickerling, Deon Fourie, Ben-Jason Dixon, Evan Roos
Replacements: André-Hugo Venter, Oli Kebble, Neethling Fouché, Ruben van Heerden, Marcel Theunissen, Paul de Villiers, Stefan Ungerer, Wandisile Simelane

Connacht Rugby: Sam Gilbert, Harry West, John Devine, Cathal Forde, Shayne Bolton, Sean Naughton, Ben Murphy; Billy Bohan, Dave Heffernan, Sam Illo, David O’Connor, Darragh Murray, Cian Prendergast (CAPT), Shamus Hurley-Langton, Sean Jansen
Replacements: Matthew Victory, Peter Dooley, Jack Aungier, Josh Murphy, Paul Boyle, Colm Reilly, Jack Carty, Hugh Gavin

DHL Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson said: “Everyone at the club would like to celebrate Chippie’s life and make this a special occasion to pay our respects to someone who meant so much to us, but we will not let that distract us from the task on the field.

“This is a crucial game in the context of our season and we face a strong Connacht team that will be playing to keep their play-off hopes alive. It will require a focused and clinical performance from us as we aim to take a step closer to securing home advantage in the knock-out phase of the season,”

Connacht Rugby Head Coach Stuart Lancaster said: “We’ve had a good week so far in South Africa and spirits are high ahead of two very important games, and to have four players in Jansen, Heffernan, West and Gavin all return from injury is a great boost for us. We know that playing the Stormers in Cape Town means we can expect huge physicality, so we’ll have to match them in that area from the first minute while being clinical when the opportunities arise.”

Stormers Strengths

The Stormers bring serious firepower into this game:

• Evan Roos – 9 tries this season
• Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu – 89 points
• Jurie Matthee – 78 points

They combine physical dominance with attacking pace — exactly the kind of team that punishes weakened touring sides.

Why the Betting Line Moved

The shift from -16.5 to -20.5 isn’t random — it’s reaction to:

• Loss of Connacht’s international core
• Travel factor to South Africa
• Reduced control at 10 without Ioane
• Less strike threat without Hansen and Aki

This is what sharp money looks like — reacting early to information.

Betting Analysis

At -20.5, you’re no longer getting early value.

But stylistically, this is still a mismatch:

• Stormers dominate collisions
• Connacht lack game control
• Depth drop-off is significant

Connacht’s best chance is chaos — quick tempo, broken play — but South African conditions rarely allow that.

Prediction

This has all the signs of a long night for Connacht.

They still have quality players like Carty, Prendergast, and Jansen, but the overall drop in experience is too big.

Prediction: Stormers to win comfortably

• Main Bet: Stormers -20.5
• Alternative: Stormers winning margin 21+

Correct Score Prediction: Stormers 40–15 Connacht

Verdict: The market has reacted correctly, but probably still not enough. This Connacht side is a level below what they’ve been fielding in recent weeks, and against a strong Stormers outfit away from home, that usually ends one way.

The post Stormers vs Connacht Preview: Team News, Stats, Betting Odds Shift & Prediction appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Ulster Rugby welcome Leinster Rugby in what promises to be one of the standout fixtures in the URC calendar, with both sides bringing strong form, elite attacking threats, and plenty of recent history into the clash.

With the betting line set at Ulster -2.5, this is a fascinating matchup that pits home advantage against long-term dominance.

Recent Form: Ulster vs Leinster

Ulster Form (Last 6)

• Lost 22–27 vs Scarlets
• Won 22–14 vs Cardiff Rugby
• Lost 10–21 vs Ospreys
• Won 40–19 vs Edinburgh Rugby
• Lost 19–26 vs Connacht
• Won 28–12 vs Zebre Parma

Ulster’s form has been inconsistent, with 3 wins and 3 losses, but their victories have been convincing, particularly the 40–19 win over Edinburgh.

Leinster Form (Last 6)

• Won 52–17 vs Connacht
• Won 34–23 vs Connacht
• Won 28–20 vs Edinburgh
• Lost 7–8 vs Cardiff Rugby
• Lost 17–38 vs Glasgow Warriors
• Won 36–19 vs Scarlets

Leinster arrive with 4 wins from 6, showing strong attacking output, scoring 52 and 36 points in recent fixtures.

Key Trends & Stats

• Ulster’s last three URC matches have been won by the away team
• Ulster’s only loss at home this season: 19–26 vs Connacht
• Leinster’s last six matches were all won by the home side
• Leinster have lost just once in Ireland since May 2024
• Leinster have won the last four meetings vs Ulster

That last stat is critical — Leinster have completely controlled this fixture in recent seasons.

Head-to-Head Record

Recent Meetings

• Leinster 24–20 Ulster (Dec 2025)
• Leinster 41–17 Ulster (Apr 2025)
• Ulster 20–27 Leinster (Nov 2024)
• Leinster 43–20 Ulster (Jun 2024)
• Ulster 23–21 Leinster (May 2024)
• Leinster 22–21 Ulster (Jan 2024)

Leinster have won 5 of the last 6 meetings, often by comfortable margins.

URC All-Time Record

• Ulster: 486 games – 287 wins (59.05%)
• Leinster: 500 games – 358 wins (71.60%)

Leinster’s long-term dominance in the competition is clear, boasting a significantly higher win rate.

Key Players to Watch

Top Try Scorers 2025/26

• Ulster: Werner Kok (7), Tom Stewart (6), Zac Ward (6)
• Leinster: Joshua Kenny (9), Scott Penny (5), Tommy O’Brien (5)

Top Points Scorers

• Ulster: Nathan Doak (83), Werner Kok (35)
• Leinster: Harry Byrne (55), Joshua Kenny (45), Sam Prendergast (36)

Head-to-Head Specialists

• Ulster: Craig Gilroy (7 tries), David Humphreys (88 points)
• Leinster: Dan Sheehan (7 tries), Ross Byrne (107 points)

Leinster’s depth in scoring options gives them a slight edge, particularly with multiple players contributing consistently.

Ulster Rugby v Leinster Rugby

Affidea Stadium, Belfast – KO 19.45 IRE & UK / 20.45 ITA & SA

Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU, 115th league game)

AR 1: Andrew Cole (IRFU) AR 2: Tomás O’Sullivan (IRFU)

TMO: Olly Hodges (IRFU)

Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Ulster Rugby: Jacob Stockdale, Werner Kok, James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Zac Ward, Jack Murphy, Nathan Doak, Angus Bell, Tom Stewart, Tom O’Toole, Iain Henderson (CAPT), Cormac Izuchukwu, David McCann, Sean Reffell, Juarno Augustus

Replacements: James McCormick, Sam Crean, Scott Wilson, Harry Sheridan, Bryn Ward, Conor McKee, Jake Flannery, Jude Postlethwaite

Leinster Rugby: Hugo Keenan, Joshua Kenny, Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, Jimmy O’Brien, Sam Prendergast, Luke McGrath; Jerry Cahir, Rónan Kelleher, Thomas Clarkson, Brian Deeny, James Ryan (CAPT), Alex Soroka, Scott Penny, James Culhane

Replacements: Gus McCarthy, Ed Byrne, Rabah Slimani, Conor O’Tighearnaigh, Max Deegan, Will Connors, Fintan Gunne, Ciarán Frawley

Leinster Rugby Assistant Coach Tyler Bleyendaal said: “It’s a massive game. Ulster are ahead of us on the table. We’re going up looking for that performance that we haven’t quite nailed the last couple of weeks.”

Leinster have only 3 starters for the European team. Ulster are fully loaded

Betting Analysis: Ulster -2.5

This is where things get interesting.

On paper, Ulster -2.5 suggests the market is leaning heavily on home advantage. And there is logic to that:

• Ulster are strong at home
• Leinster’s away performances have been less consistent
• Ulster’s wins have been by decent margins

But here’s the reality check:

• have won 5 of the last 6 meetings
• Leinster rarely lose in Ireland
• Ulster’s inconsistency is a real concern

Prediction

This comes down to one question: Do you trust form or history?

Ulster have the home edge and enough firepower to win this. But Leinster have rested a lot of first team players, but there backs will do loads of damage. Should be entertaining second half

Prediction: Leinster to win

Best Bet: Leinster +4.5

Correct Score Prediction: Ulster 17–23 Leinster

Verdict: The line looks slightly off. Leinster as underdogs, even marginally, is value. Unless Ulster produce their best performance of the season, Leinster should edge this.

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Slough, Great Britain | 14–18 July 2026

Ireland’s schedule for the COED Slowpitch European Championship has officially been confirmed, with the Irish side facing a demanding nine-game round-robin campaign across four intense days of competition.

Taking place in Slough, Great Britain, the tournament will see Ireland go head-to-head with the best slowpitch nations in Europe, with consistency, squad depth, and recovery all set to play a crucial role.

Opening Day Challenge

Ireland get their campaign underway on Tuesday, 14 July, starting bright and early against Norway (8:45am). Later that afternoon, they return to action against Czechia (3:00pm), in what will be a quick turnaround on day one.

A strong start will be key, as early wins can build momentum in such a condensed schedule.

Busy Wednesday Schedule

Wednesday represents the toughest test of endurance, with Ireland facing three matches in one day. They begin against Lithuania (9:00am), followed by Austria (2:45pm), before closing out the day with a crucial evening clash against Belgium (7:00pm).

This stretch could define Ireland’s position in the standings, particularly if they can string together multiple wins.

Key Fixtures on Thursday

On Thursday, 16 July, Ireland face Guernsey (10:45am) before taking on one of the tournament’s strongest sides, Germany (2:45pm).

The Germany clash stands out as one of the defining fixtures of the group stage, with potential implications for semi-final qualification.

Final Round-Robin Matches

Ireland wrap up their group campaign on Friday, 17 July, taking on Poland (3:00pm) before a high-profile meeting with hosts Great Britain (6:45pm).

Facing the home side in the final match adds extra intensity, particularly if qualification or seeding is still undecided.

Full List of Ireland Fixtures

• Norway
• Czechia
• Lithuania
• Austria
• Belgium
• Guernsey
• Germany
• Poland
• Great Britain

Championship Weekend

Following the round-robin phase, Saturday, 18 July will host the placement games and finals, culminating in the Championship Game at 5:00pm.

If Ireland can navigate a challenging schedule and build momentum throughout the week, they will give themselves a strong opportunity to compete for a medal.

Conclusion

With nine games in four days, Ireland’s campaign will demand resilience, squad rotation, and consistent performance. A fast start and strong finish could be the difference between a mid-table finish and a place in the final.

The fixtures are now set — it’s time for Ireland to deliver on the European stage.

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April 15, 2026 – The 2026 flat racing season burst into life at Newmarket on day one of the Betway Craven Meeting, and it didn’t take long for a leading Classic contender to emerge.

Talk Of New York, trained by Charlie Appleby for Godolphin, produced a commanding performance to land the Federation Of Bloodstock Agents EBF Conditions Stakes over seven furlongs, putting himself firmly in the frame for next month’s Betfred 2000 Guineas.

Strong Return to Form at Newmarket

The son of Wootton Bassett had created a big impression when winning on debut at Kempton Park last October. However, his winter campaign in Dubai failed to meet expectations, finishing third in the Jumeirah 2000 Guineas at Meydan.

Back on home soil and fitted with a first-time hood, the 8-11 favourite looked a different proposition. Travelling smoothly throughout, he asserted entering the final furlong before stretching clear to record a comfortable three-length success over Lost Signal.

Following the performance, Betfred shortened his odds to 6-1 for the 2000 Guineas on May 2.

Appleby: “A Work in Progress with a Big Engine”

Trainer Charlie Appleby was encouraged by the display but emphasised there is still more to come from the progressive colt.

“I was quite happy watching the race. Even if he had been beaten, as long as he settled, I wouldn’t have been too worried,” Appleby said.

“He is still very much a work in progress. He’s a lovely horse with a big engine, but he just needs managing. The hood and drop back to seven furlongs helped him settle today, and we saw the benefit of that.”

Appleby also suggested the headgear may not be retained for the Guineas.

“We’ve worked him in the hood and it takes the edge off him, but I would be inclined to take it off for the Guineas. He’s been a completely different horse since returning from Dubai.”

Dubai Experience Key to Development

The Dubai run, while underwhelming on paper, may prove crucial to the colt’s development.

Appleby admitted the experience highlighted areas that needed improvement, particularly in settling and adapting to race tempo.

“He only had two speeds in Dubai and we had to ride him steady. He was too fresh and hadn’t been trained as effectively as we would have liked,” he explained.

“Since coming back here, he’s returned to routine and has been much more straightforward to train.”

Buick: “Exactly What We Wanted”

Jockey William Buick echoed the trainer’s positivity, describing the performance as an ideal stepping stone.

“That was exactly what we wanted. It was a race where both he and we could learn,” Buick said.

“Dubai was messy for him, but he’s more experienced now. It was a proper end-to-end gallop today, which suited him, and he showed his quality.”

Buick also pointed to fitness and experience as key factors behind the improved showing.

“He lacked match practice in Dubai, but still ran well. He’s a big horse who operates at a high tempo, and the training style here suits him better.”

Guineas Picture Taking Shape

Talk Of New York now looks set to be a major player in the Betfred 2000 Guineas, with Appleby considering multiple options for the Classic.

Stablemates including Distant Storm, King’s Trail, and Hidden Force are also being assessed, as the trainer looks to finalise his team for the Rowley Mile showpiece.

“He’s very much in the Guineas picture,” Appleby confirmed. “We’ll get this week out of the way and then start putting the pieces together.”

Smooth from Talk Of New York at HQ pic.twitter.com/ulrMOpzXio

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 14, 2026

With a dominant Newmarket success now on the board, Talk Of New York has firmly re-established himself as one of the most exciting Classic contenders in training.

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Coolmore and Aidan O’Brien Continue Naming Masterclass with Elite Bloodstock

Coolmore Stud and master trainer Aidan O’Brien have once again demonstrated why they remain the gold standard in global horse racing — not just in breeding and training, but in branding.

The latest batch of two-year-olds to be named showcases a blend of elite pedigree, clever storytelling, and marketable identity. In a sport where first impressions matter, these names are doing serious early work.

Powerful Pedigrees, Even Stronger Names

Among the standout names is Abraham Lincoln, a son of Wootton Bassett out of a Group-winning daughter of Invincible Spirit. Purchased for €2.3 million, the name carries immediate authority and presence — exactly what you’d expect from a top-tier prospect.

Book of Kells is another striking entry. By Dubawi and out of a Galileo mare, this colt is a half-brother to multiple Group 1 winner Auguste Rodin. The name cleverly ties Irish heritage with class and legacy — a perfect fit for a horse with serious expectations.

Then there’s Capability Brown, linking art and prestige with racing excellence. As a half-brother to Saxon Warrior, the name reinforces a sense of refinement and stature.

Raging Bull brings a different energy — aggressive, memorable, and built for headlines. Meanwhile, Shakespeare and Opera continue the cultural theme, both reflecting depth, class, and timeless appeal.

Why Naming Matters in Horse Racing

In modern racing, a name is more than a label — it’s a brand. Before a horse ever sets foot on the track, its name shapes perception among punters, media, and owners.

• Memorability: Names like “Raging Bull” stick instantly
• Heritage: “Book of Kells” connects to Irish identity
• Prestige: “Shakespeare” and “Opera” signal class
• Marketability: Strong names drive media coverage and betting interest

Coolmore understand this better than anyone. They consistently produce names that feel like future Group 1 winners — and more often than not, they are.

The Coolmore Formula

The naming strategy aligns perfectly with their overall model:

Elite Pedigree + World-Class Training + Strong Branding = Commercial Dominance

With Aidan O’Brien preparing these horses for Ballydoyle, the expectation is clear — many of these names will soon be seen in Group races across Europe.

What Comes Next?

As the flat season unfolds, all eyes will be on these two-year-olds when they debut. History suggests that when Coolmore name a horse this well, it’s rarely by accident.

Don’t be surprised if Abraham Lincoln, Book of Kells, or Opera are making headlines before long.

Final Word

In an era where branding matters more than ever, Coolmore and Aidan O’Brien continue to set the standard. These aren’t just racehorses — they’re future stars with names to match.

The post Coolmore Horse Names: Abraham Lincoln, Opera & New Stars for 2026 appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The schedule for the 2026 Punchestown Festival is beginning to take shape, with racegoers given a clearer picture of start times for one of Ireland’s biggest racing events.

The five-day festival, which runs from April 28 to May 2, will once again deliver a packed programme of top-class National Hunt racing at Punchestown Racecourse.

Organisers are expected to stick with a familiar structure for race times across the week, with the first race typically going off at 2:30pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Friday — traditionally the busiest day of the festival — will feature a later start time, with the opening race scheduled for approximately 3:40pm to accommodate increased attendance and demand.

Each race day is expected to feature between three-and-a-half and four hours of live racing, giving fans a full afternoon of action across the festival.

The Punchestown Festival remains one of the highlights of the Irish racing calendar, drawing huge crowds and showcasing many of the top horses from the Cheltenham Festival and beyond.

Among the standout races expected across the week are the William Hill Champion Chase, the Punchestown Gold Cup, and the Boodles Champion Hurdle — all of which traditionally attract elite-level runners and provide thrilling finishes.

With consistent start times and a proven format, the 2026 edition is shaping up to deliver another memorable week for racing fans.

Racegoers are advised to check official channels closer to the event for confirmed racecards and any potential changes to the schedule.

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Here are some of his Masters highlights:

• 24,000+ steps on Sunday
• 91,000+ steps during the tournament

Rory’s heart rate spiked to 135 BPM during his tee shot on 18, dropped to 121 BPM during his approach shot, fell further to 105 BPM during his winning putt, and then jumped back up to 150 BPM during his celebration.

His resting heart rate for the week was 47-49 BPM.

Rory says he follows a strict routine during the PGA Tour season to ensure proper rest and recovery:

• No caffeine after 2 PM
• Last meal at least 2 hours before bed
• Magnesium and theanine for sleep quality
• Blue-light-blocking glasses in the evening
• Sauana or Epsom salt bath when available
• Cool room temperature for sleep

He follows the same three-hour routine before every round: arrive at the course → warm up in the gym → eat breakfast → hit balls on the range → putting green.

Rory says he believes his focus on longevity will help him play another 10+ years at a high level, and his physiological age on Whoop is now 1.5 years younger than his actual age.

Plus, it turned out to be a pretty good investment.

Rory initially invested in Whoop in 2020 when the company was valued at $1.2 billion. While we don’t know exactly how much he invested, Whoop recently raised another round at a $10.1 billion valuation.

That’s an 8.4x multiple in five years.

Not bad, not bad.

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All over in the @ConnachtGAA Quarter Finals and the Rossies are through to face Mayo@gaanewyork_ 1-10@RoscommonGAA 5-22
Watch the highlights here #NYvROS pic.twitter.com/eQr2QiZoLP

— The GAA (@officialgaa) April 12, 2026

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“We weren’t great, to be honest I thought it was probably our worst performance of the year,” McGeeney told RTÉ.

"To be treated in that way is very hard to take."

"Needless to say, we won't be back."

Armagh manager Kieran McGeeney wasn't pleased as his side were forced to abandon their training camp plans at Carton House recently due to Manchester United using the same venue. pic.twitter.com/JHepC8xgzA

— Off The Ball (@offtheball) April 12, 2026

“In saying that, it would have been easier to put the heads down. We were down to 14 men for a big part of the game in extra-time. “The most important part is the fellas dug really deep and you have to be proud of them in that regard. They’re not playing well and being able to work out a game, especially against Tyrone. “It wasn’t our best performance, but definitely showed a lot of character.”

“I’ve never played against Tyrone where it hasn’t gone down to the wire. I was telling everybody this week it’ll be down to a one-point game, a two-point game. “I suppose all the experts know better but we’re delighted to come out of it; showed real composure,” he added.

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If you follow the sports betting odds each season, you will notice the same handful of names appearing at the top of the market year after year, and history explains exactly why. Here is a look at the clubs who have collected the most titles since the competition began.

 Real Madrid – 15 titles

Nobody else comes close. Real Madrid won the first five editions of the European Cup back–to–back between 1956 and 1960, and they have never really stopped. Their most recent triumph came in 2024 when they beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at Wembley, with goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jr sealing yet another European crown in front of a global audience.

The most iconic moment in their modern run was arguably the 2022 final against Liverpool, where Vinicius Jr scored the only goal at the Stade de France in Paris, but it was the manner in which they eliminated Manchester City, Chelsea, and Paris Saint Germain in the knockouts that truly captured the imagination that year, a run that had sports predictions pointing toward them as favourites long before the final was even in sight. They remain the benchmark every other club is measured against, and no club in world sport has dominated a single competition across such a sustained period of time.

 AC Milan – seven titles

Milan’s seven titles span six decades, from their first in 1963 through to their last in 2007, when they beat Liverpool 2-1 in Athens in a final that felt like poetic justice after Liverpool had overturned a three-goal deficit to beat them on penalties in Istanbul two years earlier. They were the dominant force in European football across two separate eras, first in the late 1980s and early 1990s under Arrigo Sacchi and Fabio Capello, and then again in the early 2000s under Carlo Ancelotti, who would go on to win three more titles with Real Madrid.

 Bayern Munich and Liverpool – six titles each

Bayern and Liverpool sit level on six titles apiece, though they arrived at that number in very different ways. Bayern’s most recent win came in 2020, when they dismantled every opponent they faced during the pandemic-era tournament in Lisbon, finishing the competition with a perfect record and beating PSG 1-0 in the final through a Kingsley Coman header.

Liverpool’s story is a more emotional one, with their sixth title arriving in 2019 with a 2-0 win over Tottenham in Madrid, 30 years after they last won their domestic league, making it one of the most celebrated nights in English football history. The most memorable moment in Liverpool’s European story remains the 2005 final in Istanbul, where they came back from three goals down at half-time to draw level with AC Milan before winning on penalties in what is widely regarded as the greatest Champions League final ever played.

 Barcelona – five titles

Barcelona’s five titles are linked to one of the greatest players the game has ever seen. Four of those five came with Lionel Messi in the side, including the famous treble-winning side of 2015 under Luis Enrique, who beat Juventus 3-1 in Berlin with a performance that showcased Messi, Neymar, and Luis Suarez at the absolute peak of their powers. Their 2009 final against Manchester United at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, which they won 2-0, is widely considered the greatest club side of the modern era at its very best.

 Ajax – four titles

Ajax remain one of the most remarkable stories in the competition’s history. A club from the Netherlands winning four European Cups, three of them consecutively between 1971 and 1973, speaks to just how extraordinary that generation of players was under Rinus Michels and later Stefan Kovacs. That squad produced some of the most influential footballers Europe has ever seen, including Johan Cruyff, Johan Neeskens, and Ruud Krol, and their style of play, known as Total Football, changed the way the game was coached and understood for generations to come.

 PSG became the 24th club to win the trophy when they lifted it for the first time in 2025, beating Inter Milan 5-0 in one of the most one-sided finals in the competition’s history, and with the Budapest final approaching in May 2026, the next name on that list is being decided right now.

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