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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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Dana Eden, 52, was found dead in an Athens hotel on February 16, with Greek police treating it as a suicide during production of the Apple TV+ series' fourth season. Laurie, who starred in season three, called her brilliant and funny, but faced attacks labeling the show propaganda and him a Zionist—prompting him to block celebrators of her death and firmly deny any Zionist stance. Critics from pro-Israel voices said his denial dishonored Eden, an Israeli, while others defended his right to grieve privately without political labels. The back-and-forth shows how personal loss can ignite fierce divides online.

Key Takeaway

Hugh Laurie shared a heartfelt tribute to his friend and Tehran co-creator Dana Eden after her sudden death. Replies quickly turned bitter, pulling him into heated accusations from all sides.

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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.

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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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Speaking on February 17 in Jerusalem, Bennett accused Turkey and Qatar of nourishing an Islamic Brotherhood network while gaining ground in Syria and Gaza to encircle Israel. He claimed Turkey aims to flip Saudi Arabia and link with nuclear-armed Pakistan, urging Israel to shift from defense to proactive strikes after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. Clips spread online, sparking fears of war with Turkey, though analysts view it as rhetoric amid Turkey's NATO ties and severed diplomatic relations with Israel since November 2024.

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In a stark address to U.S. Jewish leaders, former Israeli PM Naftali Bennett labeled Turkey under Erdogan a sophisticated adversary building a hostile Sunni alliance against Israel.

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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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In Friday's WWE SmackDown from Dallas, a wild 10-man tag saw MFT champions—Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, and JC Mateo—defeat Carmelo Hayes, Dragunov, Matt Cardona, Apollo Crews, and Shinsuke Nakamura. Loa's stone-faced tanking of Dragunov's strikes became the night's funniest highlight, sparking fan memes and laughs worldwide. Amid the frenzy, Hayes nailed a live promo securing his Elimination Chamber spot, Crews pushed for a U.S. Title shot, and qualifiers like Cody Rhodes advanced, building hype for more MFT dominance.

Key Takeaway

Ilja Dragunov unleashed his signature chops, the ones that once shredded Gunther's chest. Tonga Loa just stood there, unflinching, turning the powerhouse moment into pure comedy.

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The Catalan club sees 26-year-old Álvarez, fresh off a €95 million move to Atleti Madrid and loaded with trophies like a World Cup and Champions League by age 23, as the perfect versatile successor to the 37-year-old Lewandowski, whose contract ends in June. Atleti demand around €200 million and say he's not for sale, while Argentine journalist Gastón Edul says Barcelona leak interest but lack the funds to act. As a cheaper alternative, they're considering 27-year-old Marmoush, who joined City for €75 million after scoring 37 goals for Frankfurt but now sits behind Haaland with just four this season.

Key Takeaway

Barcelona dream of Julián Álvarez stepping into Robert Lewandowski's big shoes, but with tight finances, they're lining up Manchester City's Omar Marmoush as a smarter option.

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In Friday's WWE SmackDown from Dallas, a wild 10-man tag saw MFT champions—Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, and JC Mateo—defeat Carmelo Hayes, Dragunov, Matt Cardona, Apollo Crews, and Shinsuke Nakamura. Loa's stone-faced tanking of Dragunov's strikes became the night's funniest highlight, sparking fan memes and laughs worldwide. Amid the frenzy, Hayes nailed a live promo securing his Elimination Chamber spot, Crews pushed for a U.S. Title shot, and qualifiers like Cody Rhodes advanced, building hype for more MFT dominance.

Key Takeaway

Ilja Dragunov unleashed his signature chops, the ones that once shredded Gunther's chest. Tonga Loa just stood there, unflinching, turning the powerhouse moment into pure comedy.

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Leicester raced to a 3-0 lead with goals from Divine Mukasa, Patson Daka, and Abdul Fatawu, but Southampton mounted an epic second-half rally. Ross Stewart pulled one back on 61 minutes, Jack Stephens headed in on 82, Ryan Manning leveled three minutes later, and Charles sealed the winner deep in stoppage time. The victory boosts Southampton's playoff hopes while deepening Leicester's slump, now winless in six amid a points deduction. Commentator Adam Blackmore called it one of the best games in his 30-year career.

Key Takeaway

Down 3-0 at halftime, Southampton refused to quit. Shea Charles' 96th-minute rocket sent the away fans into absolute pandemonium at King Power Stadium.

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Julius Kitone, a 35-year-old senior news reporter at NBS Television, died on February 13, 2026, in a head-on collision on the Mbarara-Lyantonde highway that also claimed seven other lives. Known as 'Ambassador' for his international reporting on climate and conservation, he was remembered by colleagues like Joellah Anshemeza and Joyce Bagala Ntwatwa for his passionate storytelling and mentorship. Mourners, including his composed widow and young children collecting contributions, called for better road signs, stricter enforcement, and driver training to prevent future tragedies on Uganda's accident-prone highways.

Key Takeaway

Under a cloudy sky in Rakai District, hundreds gathered to say goodbye to Julius Kitone, the soft-spoken reporter whose stories inspired hope.

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The family was blindfolded, handcuffed, and held for about nine hours during the pre-dawn raid, local reports state. They allege beatings, death threats, and property damage, though videos confirm the detention but not assaults. Released without charges, the incident reflects ongoing clashes in Nabi Saleh, known for weekly protests against a nearby settlement and the prominence of the activist Tamimi family.

Key Takeaway

Before dawn on December 7, armed soldiers entered Bilal al-Tamimi's home in the West Bank village of Nabi Saleh. Videos show his wife Manal and son Samer seated calmly amid potted plants as troops took control.

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Arsenal equalized through Igor Thiago but dropped points in a 1-1 Premier League draw on February 12, staying four points ahead of Manchester City. Passionate supporter Ty dismissed Brentford's achievement outright in a clip, slamming their fans for mocking Arsenal despite the Bees' rise from lower leagues and recent strong results against the Gunners. Rival fans fired back hard, calling him entitled while some Arsenal voices wondered if his rants feed the club's 'most hated fanbase' image, though others praised his loyalty.

Key Takeaway

Ty, the fiery AFTV regular who lives for Arsenal games, let loose after the frustrating 1-1 draw at Brentford. 'I'm not giving them credit,' he declared, telling their fans to 'know your place.'

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West Ham dominated with 20 shots and 3.15 xG but couldn't break down Bournemouth keeper Petrović, settling for a gritty 0-0 draw at London Stadium. The result keeps West Ham two points from safety after 27 games, while Bournemouth extended their unbeaten run to seven matches, climbing to ninth. Rayan, the Brazilian teen subbed on from Vasco da Gama last summer, earned Puskás-level praise for his dazzling run, with fans calling him 'absurdo' and the Premier League account hailing it as one of the season's best almost-goals.

Key Takeaway

Nineteen-year-old Rayan Vitor Simplício Rocha grabbed the ball deep in his own half, danced past four defenders over 60 yards, and curled a rocket that just kissed the post.

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In their Group D finale at Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Egypt, Chiefs fell 2-1 to Zamalek, with Juan Bezerra and Abdallah El Said scoring before Glody Lilepo's late reply. The defeat dropped Chiefs to third on 10 points behind Zamalek's 11 and Al Masry's 10, ending their continental campaign despite topping the group earlier. Coach Bruce Bvuma's gritty squad couldn't overcome away struggles, mirroring early exits in domestic cups, as fans voiced frustration over the coaching and collapse.

Key Takeaway

Kaizer Chiefs needed just a draw to advance, but Zamalek struck twice in the second half at Ismailia, leaving the South African side stunned and out of the quarterfinals.

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Sundowns, second with 35 points from 16 games, need a win over fifth-placed AmaZulu (30 points from 17) to leapfrog leaders Pirates and tighten their title hold. The Brazilians fielded stars like captain Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, and young Siyabonga Ntsabeleng up front, while AmaZulu set up in a 3-4-3 at home. Twenty minutes in, it's 0-0 after even early exchanges, with Sundowns unbeaten in seven straight against Usuthu including five clean-sheet wins.

Key Takeaway

Under the lights at Moses Mabhida Stadium, Mamelodi Sundowns lined up like a Bafana Bafana dream team, ready to snatch the top spot from Orlando Pirates.

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Sundowns, second with 35 points from 16 games, need a win over fifth-placed AmaZulu (30 points from 17) to leapfrog leaders Pirates and tighten their title hold. The Brazilians fielded stars like captain Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, and young Siyabonga Ntsabeleng up front, while AmaZulu set up in a 3-4-3 at home. Twenty minutes in, it's 0-0 after even early exchanges, with Sundowns unbeaten in seven straight against Usuthu including five clean-sheet wins.

Key Takeaway

Under the lights at Moses Mabhida Stadium, Mamelodi Sundowns lined up like a Bafana Bafana dream team, ready to snatch the top spot from Orlando Pirates.

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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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Supporters of Senzo Mchunu, suspended by President Cyril Ramaphosa on July 13, 2025, over claims of sabotaging probes into KwaZulu-Natal political assassinations, held a vigil themed 'Truth Will Prevail.' Organizers reported strong turnout despite threats to artists, while Mchunu approved the event but did not attend, describing it as a noble church gesture. Church leaders urged him to pray harder as investigations continue without final findings against him, highlighting South Africa's divided views on his tenure.

Key Takeaway

In Mbombela, churchgoers gathered for 12 hours of song and prayer, standing by their leader amid serious accusations. Gospel stars like Babo Ngcobo and Ayanda Ntanzi filled the civic centre with calls for truth.

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