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Russia, Iran, and China began the 'Maritime Security Belt 2026' exercises on Thursday, focusing on countering maritime threats like piracy through coordinated special forces operations near the Strait of Hormuz. The drills come amid rising U.S.-Iran friction over Tehran's nuclear program, with President Trump issuing a short deadline for a deal and deploying carriers, drones, and bombers to the region. A Russian command plane's arrival in Tehran fueled online worries of escalation, though experts call it posturing tied to deepening Moscow-Tehran ties rather than war preparations.

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Helicopters hovered as Iranian and Russian special forces rappelled onto a mock hijacked ship, practicing rescues in the Gulf of Oman just as U.S. forces build up nearby.

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Real Madrid secured a 3-1 aggregate victory over Benfica in the UEFA Champions League knockout playoff with a 2-1 win at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, where Vinícius Júnior scored the decisive goal. Youth player Thiago Pitarch made his Bernabéu debut, and Thibaut Courtois made key saves. A Benfica fan was removed and banned for making a Nazi salute before kickoff.

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Host Iain Dale role-played as Putin on LBC Thursday evening, prompting Polanski to stress negotiation amid nuclear risks. Commentators mocked the remarks harshly, with Alex Massie comparing Polanski unfavorably to Jeremy Corbyn and James Cleverly calling them less sophisticated than children's views. While the Green Party backs Ukraine and sanctions, internal motions push to quit NATO, and defenders like Owen Jones cite past Western interventions as reasons for caution. The controversy underscores divides in British politics over Russia, Ukraine, and NATO amid U.S. shifts.

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During a live radio interview, England's Green Party leader Zack Polanski urged diplomacy with Vladimir Putin, warning of mutual nuclear obliteration if talks fail.

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Femi Dapson, an internet personality, and Simi Sanya exchanged vows in a private registry ceremony attended by close family and friends.

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With the Champions League round-of-16 draw set for Friday in Nyon, Switzerland, PSG awaits a matchup against either Barcelona or Chelsea after advancing past Monaco in playoffs. Fans pointed to their 2-1 win at Barcelona in October, where Gonçalo Ramos scored a 90th-minute winner, and jabbed at Chelsea over ex-manager Enzo Maresca's January exit amid tensions. Chelsea fans hit back hard, while Barcelona supporters admitted recent losses to PSG have humbled them, setting up high-stakes banter as Newcastle fills the bracket spot.

Key Takeaway

PSG supporters are buzzing with confidence, calling out Barcelona to stay humble and warning Chelsea of punishment ahead of Friday's last-16 draw.

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Atalanta overturned a 2-0 deficit with early goals from Gianluca Scamacca and Davide Zappacosta, Mario Pasalic's header for 3-1, and Lazar Samardzic's stoppage-time penalty after a VAR handball, winning 4-3 on aggregate at Gewiss Stadium. Dortmund grabbed a consolation from Karim Adeyemi but exited the Champions League for the first time since 2021/22. Fans piled on with memes calling them the 'Tottenham of Europe,' though Spurs fans fired back by highlighting their six straight wins over Dortmund, including a recent 2-0 victory, and their 2025 Europa League title.

Key Takeaway

Dortmund held a comfy 2-0 lead from the first leg, but Atalanta flipped the script with a 4-1 thriller, leaving fans to roast BVB as Europe's new Tottenham.

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In Tuesday's Benfica vs. Real Madrid game, Vinicius told the referee that 20-year-old Gianluca Prestianni used a slur against him; Prestianni denied it and regretted threats from Madrid players. Benfica coach Jose Mourinho suggested Vinicius's celebrations draw backlash, prompting Vinicius to call out cowards online. Nigerian Barca supporters faced mockery online, with posts like one quipping a Nigerian fan justifies every Argentine crime, tying into Messi loyalty and past Argentina scandals. Defenders see it as a lazy stereotype, while others note Barca players like Lamine Yamal face racism too.

Key Takeaway

Vinicius Jr. accused a Benfica player of a racial slur during a Champions League match, halting play for 10 minutes. Nigerian Barcelona fans caught heat for seeming to downplay it amid fierce rivalries.

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The German centre-back arrived from AC Milan for around £30 million and has impressed with aerial dominance in the 95th percentile and sharp game reading, helping Newcastle sit 11th with 36 points from 27 games. Reports from Sports Boom, TeamTalk, and GiveMeSport claim Bayern see him as a successor to Kim Min-jae, Manchester United want to bolster their backline, and Liverpool are tentatively interested ahead of summer—no bids confirmed yet. Thiaw dismissed Champions League doubts in a Chronicle Live interview, insisting 'We are still in the fight' ahead of the Qarabag play-off and Everton clash, while fans sarcastically brush off the rumors online.

Key Takeaway

Malick Thiaw joined Newcastle just last summer, quickly becoming a defensive rock alongside Sven Botman. Now, big clubs like Bayern Munich and Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a move for the 24-year-old.

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After a stunning 4-0 first-leg loss to Atletico Madrid on February 12, where Griezmann, Lookman, Sorloth, and Alvarez scored before halftime, Barcelona winger Raphinha boosted spirits this week. The Brazilian captain insisted his high-pressing side, with Pedri and Yamal back fit, can pull off a remontada in the second leg at Camp Nou on March 3. While some fans wave "#REMUNTADATAREMI" banners and recall past miracles like the 2017 PSG turnaround, others doubt it, and rivals mock the huge challenge ahead.

Key Takeaway

Raphinha stared down a 4-0 deficit with pure conviction during his YouTube Q&A, declaring Barcelona the kings of comebacks. Fans felt the spark as he praised their unbreakable family bond and roaring support.

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The Lakers fell to the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night, their second straight loss, with Dončić posting 22 points, nine rebounds, and 15 assists before owning the late decision. Critics like ESPN's Zach Lowe called his constant referee complaints 'unwatchable,' while Tim MacMahon and Chandler Parsons labeled it a glaring flaw that's exhausting for officials. Leading the league with 13 technical fouls, Dončić draws comparisons to other stars, though some defend him as the league's punching bag since his trade to L.A. a year ago, amid the team's 34-23 record clinging to sixth in the West.

Key Takeaway

Luka Dončić passed up an open 3-pointer in the final seconds, inbounded to LeBron James, and watched the shot rim out in a 110-109 defeat that left the Lakers frustrated.

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The image, shared early Monday, shows Yamal beside a stylized Ballon d'Or pedestal—he finished runner-up in 2025 behind Ousmane Dembélé. Fans debate his potential wins: some predict 10 or more, citing his records like youngest Euro 2024 goalscorer and this season's 10 goals plus 8 assists in La Liga. Skeptics point to Barcelona's Champions League struggles and rivals like Mbappé, while Yamal stays grounded, saying fixating on the award dooms your chances. Power rankings favor him for 2026, with the World Cup ahead.

Key Takeaway

Eighteen-year-old Barcelona star Lamine Yamal stood sharp in a suit next to a gleaming Ballon d'Or trophy in a photo that got fans dreaming big about his future.

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The image, shared early Monday, shows Yamal beside a stylized Ballon d'Or pedestal—he finished runner-up in 2025 behind Ousmane Dembélé. Fans debate his potential wins: some predict 10 or more, citing his records like youngest Euro 2024 goalscorer and this season's 10 goals plus 8 assists in La Liga. Skeptics point to Barcelona's Champions League struggles and rivals like Mbappé, while Yamal stays grounded, saying fixating on the award dooms your chances. Power rankings favor him for 2026, with the World Cup ahead.

Key Takeaway

Eighteen-year-old Barcelona star Lamine Yamal stood sharp in a suit next to a gleaming Ballon d'Or trophy in a photo that got fans dreaming big about his future.

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Real Madrid clinched a 2-1 win over Benfica at the Bernabeu on Wednesday, securing a 3-1 aggregate victory in the Champions League with goals from Aurelien Tchouameni and Vinicius Junior after Rafa Silva equalized. Mbappe missed the match due to ongoing left knee discomfort that's lingered since before Christmas, forcing him to leave training the day before despite playing through it previously. Arbeloa stressed prioritizing full recovery over rushing back, with no firm timeline set—possibly 10-15 days—casting doubt on his availability for Monday's La Liga game against Getafe. Vinicius stepped up big in Mbappe's absence, helping test Madrid's depth amid other injuries as they lead La Liga by two points.

Key Takeaway

Vinicius Junior curled in a beauty of a winner in the 80th minute, but all eyes turned to manager Alvaro Arbeloa's careful words on Kylian Mbappe's nagging knee pain.

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Posted on February 10 by Ash, the video captures the baby's instant chill-out to Future's trap beats after rejecting Ms. Rachel's speech-focused kids' songs. Viewers cracked up over the precise bowl kick and the kid's surprised approval, with comments joking about the baby's savvy taste and Future's melodic appeal. Parents shared similar stories of tots preferring rap over rhymes, turning the clip into a fun nod to unexpected baby preferences.

Key Takeaway

A fussy baby in a high chair thrashes and kicks a bowl away during Ms. Rachel's nursery rhymes. Mom switches to Future, and the tot spins around, bopping happily on beat.

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Russia, Iran, and China began the 'Maritime Security Belt 2026' exercises on Thursday, focusing on countering maritime threats like piracy through coordinated special forces operations near the Strait of Hormuz. The drills come amid rising U.S.-Iran friction over Tehran's nuclear program, with President Trump issuing a short deadline for a deal and deploying carriers, drones, and bombers to the region. A Russian command plane's arrival in Tehran fueled online worries of escalation, though experts call it posturing tied to deepening Moscow-Tehran ties rather than war preparations.

Key Takeaway

Helicopters hovered as Iranian and Russian special forces rappelled onto a mock hijacked ship, practicing rescues in the Gulf of Oman just as U.S. forces build up nearby.

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The matchup pits Lewandowski's 700+ club goals, Bundesliga record of 41 in a season, and 107 UCL strikes against Kane's Premier League records, 213 goals, and explosive Bayern form with 36 in his debut year plus 28 more this season. Lewandowski brings 10 Bundesligas, a UCL title, and praise from Klopp as his best player ever, while Kane shines with playmaking assists and big-game grit despite fewer trophies. Fans argue peaks and finishing for Lewa versus Kane's all-around completeness, with no clear winner as both thrive in 2025/26.

Key Takeaway

Bayern legend Robert Lewandowski faces off against Harry Kane in club kits, splitting fans on who's the ultimate striker in a lively poll showdown.

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Galatasaray advanced to the UEFA Champions League round of 16 with a 3-2 extra-time victory over Juventus at Allianz Stadium, overcoming a fierce comeback to secure a 7-5 aggregate triumph—the first for a Turkish club in 12 years. Osimhen scored in the 105+1st minute and earned Player of the Match after netting 13 European goals this campaign, becoming Galatasaray's top-scoring foreign player ever; Barış Alper Yılmaz added a 119th-minute clincher. Juventus, down to 10 men, leveled at 5-5 aggregate through Locatelli, Gatti, and McKennie but fell short despite dominating possession. Galatasaray now awaits the Friday draw, potentially facing Liverpool or Tottenham.

Key Takeaway

Victor Osimhen struck the decisive blow in extra time, silencing the Allianz Stadium roar as Galatasaray held on for a thrilling 7-5 aggregate win.

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The German coach, who joined last summer, has Barça leading La Liga with 58 points from 23 matches, three points ahead of Real Madrid after scoring 63 goals and conceding just 23. Flick embraces Cruyff's total football philosophy of possession and youth development, earning praise as the first foreign manager to connect so deeply with the club since the legend. Fans rank him alongside Cruyff and Pep Guardiola, while rivals like Bayern's Vincent Kompany tip Barça as their top Champions League threat ahead of a potential knockout clash.

Key Takeaway

After training, Hansi Flick looked skyward in spirit, vowing to make Johan Cruyff proud of FC Barcelona's resurgence under his watch.

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Wales led 17-5 at halftime with tries from Rhys Carre and Josh Adams, but Scotland responded with scores from Kyle Steyn, Finn Russell, Darcy Graham, and George Turner's decisive 75th-minute try. The flashpoint arrived at the 63-minute mark when referee Matt Carley, on TMO Ian Tempest's advice, reversed a penalty advantage for a 'croc roll' by Wales' Tomos Williams on Scotland's Rory Darge, awarding Scotland the penalty instead. Pundits like Dan Biggar called it non-dangerous, ex-ref Nigel Owens deemed it harsh, while defenders stressed enforcing the ban to prevent injuries; the call helped Scotland clear their lines and seize control.

Key Takeaway

Scotland trailed Wales but roared back for a 26-23 Six Nations thriller at Principality Stadium. A controversial referee call midway through the second half shifted the momentum.

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In a tense Premier League match Sunday, Trossard faced heavy fan backlash for his ineffective play, leading Arteta to sub him off at the 76th minute alongside the strong-performing Eberechi Eze for Martinelli and captain Martin Odegaard. Eze, Arsenal's £67.5 million signing from Palace last August, impressed before exiting, sparking debates over starting him ahead of Odegaard in midfield for the upcoming Chelsea clash at the Emirates on March 1. Sitting top with 58 points from 27 games, two ahead of Manchester City, Arsenal's rotation choices now loom large in the title race.

Key Takeaway

With Arsenal trailing 1-3 against Crystal Palace, fans grew restless as Leandro Trossard struggled on the pitch, shouting 'How is he still playing?' before Mikel Arteta made the big switch.

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Atalanta overturned a 2-0 deficit with early goals from Gianluca Scamacca and Davide Zappacosta, Mario Pasalic's header for 3-1, and Lazar Samardzic's stoppage-time penalty after a VAR handball, winning 4-3 on aggregate at Gewiss Stadium. Dortmund grabbed a consolation from Karim Adeyemi but exited the Champions League for the first time since 2021/22. Fans piled on with memes calling them the 'Tottenham of Europe,' though Spurs fans fired back by highlighting their six straight wins over Dortmund, including a recent 2-0 victory, and their 2025 Europa League title.

Key Takeaway

Dortmund held a comfy 2-0 lead from the first leg, but Atalanta flipped the script with a 4-1 thriller, leaving fans to roast BVB as Europe's new Tottenham.

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Bayern Munich's front three of Luis Díaz, Harry Kane, and Michael Olise scored 114 goals in 38 games this season. This total exceeds the 122 goals scored by Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Neymar for FC Barcelona in 60 games during the 2014/15 season.

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Customers in the United States and United Kingdom have flooded X with complaints against USPS, FedEx, UPS, and Royal Mail, citing delivery delays, frozen tracking updates, and misdelivered packages as the holiday rush intensifies. Specific grievances include ignored redirect requests, undeliverable marks without delivery attempts, and packages stuck in service loops despite repeated contacts. Carriers responded with standard offers to investigate via direct messages, while USPS noted a potential disruption from a Louisville airport incident on November 19; no widespread systemic issues were reported by major outlets amid pre-Thanksgiving volume spikes.

Key Takeaway

Parcels looping endlessly between hubs and vanishing from trackers have ignited a wave of fury on X this week.

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