Madrid – Zinedine Zidane has declared Cristiano Ronaldo “120 percent” fit ahead of the Champions League final and says Real Madrid’s star player is available to face Villarreal in La Liga on Saturday.
Ronaldo sprained his ankle against Barcelona earlier this month, prompting fears the Portugese might not make the clash against Liverpool on May 26.
But Zidane insisted Ronaldo would be “150 percent” fit for the game in Kiev and he delivered another positive update on Friday.
“Maybe right now he is 120 percent,” Zidane said with a smile. “He is fine. If Cristiano is 120 percent that’s fine with me.”
Ronaldo has trained with the first team squad as normal this week and could be given the chance to hone his sharpness against Villarreal, in Real’s final league game of the season.
Real can still snatch second place from Atletico Madrid if they win and Atletico lose at home to Eibar on Sunday but Zidane’s players will be keener to make their case for a starting spot against Liverpool.
Gareth Bale, in particular, will be under scrutiny, with the Welshman’s place far from secure despite his man-of-the-match performance against Celta Vigo last weekend.
Bale scored two excellent goals in the victory but Zidane twice dodged the chance to say his display will influence his thinking.
“You can say he’s better because of the goals he has scored, but he has been training well,” Zidane said.
“The most important thing is to see everyone in good physical shape. That’s what I care about.”
Real’s disappointing season in the league, which has them languishing 15 points behind champions Barcelona, has been in stark contrast to their success in Europe.
If they beat Liverpool, they will be the only club to have won the Champions League three times in a row while Zidane will join Carlo Ancelotti and Bob Paisley as the only coaches to own a trio of European crowns.
“It would be huge,” Zidane said. “It would mean a lot of things. It would mean we have been doing our job well and that my message has been getting through to the players and the staff.
“It’s great to start my managerial career at this level but for me the most important final of the Champions League is this one, not the last one. We have to give it everything.”
The Arizona Cardinals are trading for Cleveland Browns cornerback Jamar Taylor, a source confirmed to ESPN.
The Browns will receive a 2020 sixth-round pick in return, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Taylor, 27, started 15 games for the 0-16 Browns in 2017. He had one forced fumble and a half-sack while appearing in all 16 games.
The Browns had been trying to trade Taylor, a team captain, after they selected cornerback Denzel Ward out of Ohio State with the fourth overall pick in this year’s draft.
NFL Network first reported the trade.
Jamar Taylor is heading to Arizona in a trade, a source confirmed to ESPN. Joe Robbins/Getty Images
Taylor could fill a need for the Cardinals, who have sought a cornerback to play opposite Patrick Peterson.
A 2013 second-round pick by the Miami Dolphins, Taylor has three career interceptions (all in 2016) over five NFL seasons. He joined the Browns in a draft-day trade in 2016.
Taylor would be the sixth player traded by new general manager John Dorsey since taking over the team in December.
There was “a little trickery” implemented to increase the chances of France and Brazil meeting in the 1998 World Cup final, according to disgraced former UEFA president Michel Platini.
Platini, who is serving a four-year ban from football involvement following the 2015 guilty verdict regarding a “disloyal payment”, was the co-president of the World Cup organising committee in 1998, which France hosted.
In an interview with France Bleu Sport, the former French international revealed group allocations for seeded teams were deliberately arranged to produce a “dream” final featuring the host nation and defending World Cup champion Brazil.
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
“When we organised the schedule, we did a little trickery,” he said, as translated by BBC Sport.
“France-Brazil in the final, it was the dream of everyone.
“If we finished first in the group and Brazil finished first, we could not meet before the final.”
He laughed as he went on: “We did not spend six years organising the World Cup to not do some little shenanigans. Do you think other World Cup hosts did not?”
Because Brazil was placed in Group A, which was standard practice at the time for the World Cup holder, France’s allocation to Group C ensured the two nations could not before the final if they both finished first in their groups, as was widely expected.
France went on to finish above Denmark, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia in Group C before getting past Paraguay, Italy, Croatia, and capturing the country’s first-ever World Cup with a 3-0 win over Brazil in the final at the Stade de France.
Our panel of ESPN NFL Insiders is breaking down what all the offseason action means for the 2018 season throughout the week.
Next up: Kirk Cousins headlined the free-agent quarterback class, but will he have the most success in Year 1?
Our Insiders weigh in, plus dig into these topics:
Which free-agent QB will have the most success in Year 1?
Kevin Seifert, national NFL writer: Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings. It’s really difficult to envision a scenario, other than injuries across the board on offense, in which Cousins doesn’t produce big numbers and double-digit victories for the Vikings. It is less obvious that he’ll prove a big upgrade from Case Keenum, who played one of the best seasons in franchise history last year, but in terms of the 2018 free-agent class, Cousins will have the most success this season.
Baker Mayfield was the No. 1 overall pick. But will he be the best? Our Insiders weigh in on the 2018 pick we’ll judge as the best in 2022 and more.
Will Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs still be the top WR duo? Pro Football Focus has the league’s best units.
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Mike Sando, senior NFL writer: Alex Smith, Washington Redskins. Of all the quarterbacks changing teams, Smith is the one who has proven that he can succeed in multiple places/systems. I’m less sure of how Cousins will deal with expectations in a new environment, though he is obviously set up for success with a strong supporting cast.
Dan Graziano, national NFL writer: Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints. Full disclosure: I’m doing this a little bit later in the project, and I see a ton of people picked Cousins. But Brees was a free agent who just happened to re-sign with the same team. I like the Saints as NFC favorites, and while I like their run game (even with Mark Ingram suspended for the first four games), I expect a little bit of regression to the mean in terms of the scoring balance between the run game and the pass game. Brees had an excellent 2017, but his 23 touchdown passes were his fewest in a season as a Saint. I think he rebounds to eye-popping statistical territory as he breaks big career passing records.
Mike Clay, NFL writer: Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings. The offensive line is still shaky, but Cousins is otherwise positioned well for a massive first season in Minnesota. The team’s loaded defense will shorten the field, and he’ll have a terrific group of weapons with Adam Thielen, Stefon Diggs, Dalvin Cook, Kyle Rudolph and Kendall Wright.
Kirk Cousins is on to Minnesota while Alex Smith takes over in Washington. Charlie Riedel/AP Photo
Matt Bowen, NFL writer: Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings. With running back Dalvin Cook back in the mix and a proven group of pass-catchers with which to work, Cousins is in position to post consistent numbers in Minnesota. Plus, given the Vikings’ top-tier defense under Mike Zimmer, Cousins will benefit from bonus possessions and sudden change opportunities. That’s when you take a shot to the end zone.
Which offseason addition will make the biggest impact in 2018?
Bowen: Tyrann Mathieu, S, Houston Texans. His past injuries have to be discussed, but the former Cardinal played faster on tape toward the end of 2017. He’s an upgrade in Houston at a position of need, and defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel can utilize Mathieu’s versatility in the game plan. Think of a defensive matchup weapon here who can find the ball and play multiple roles for a secondary that struggled last season.
Clay: Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib, CBs, Los Angeles Rams. It’s hard to mention one without the other, so I’m going to cheat and go with the two trades the Rams made to acquire superstar corners Peters and Talib. Yes, Peters has some off-the-field concerns, and Talib is now 32, but both have been top-10 performers at the position the past few seasons and, along with Ndamukong Suh, help position the Rams as legit Super Bowl contenders in 2018.
Graziano: Nate Solder, OT, New York Giants. The Giants haven’t scored 30 points in a game since Week 17 of 2015, Tom Coughlin’s last season as head coach. There are myriad reasons for the drought, but the main reason the offense hasn’t worked is that the line hasn’t played well. Moving on from 2015 draft bust Ereck Flowers and replacing him with a reliable veteran at left tackle should allow the Giants at least a chance to see how good their offense can be. The price tag on Solder was massive and could cause the Giants problems down the line. But he should make a big difference in 2018.
Joyner: Jimmy Graham, TE, Green Bay Packers. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has the reputation of not throwing to his tight ends often enough, yet over the past four seasons, Rodgers ranks 10th in completion percentage (51.6) and touchdown percentage (51.6) on end zone throws to tight ends. Those numbers should vault close to the top of the league now that Rodgers has a jump ball tight end of Graham’s caliber, and this pairing could combine for double-digit touchdowns this season.
Sando: Case Keenum, QB, Denver Broncos. It’s either Keenum or Tyrod Taylor, simply because they are competent quarterbacks joining teams that were horrendous at the position last season. Even average play from them will provide massive upgrades. I’ll go with Keenum because there isn’t a highly drafted quarterback waiting to take his job.
Aaron Schatz, editor-in-chief of Football Outsiders: Tyrod Taylor, QB, Cleveland Browns. Or Baker Mayfield. It doesn’t matter which one of them it is; either should be a massive upgrade on what Cleveland had at the quarterback position last season.
Jimmy Graham caught 10 touchdown passes in 2017, his highest total in three seasons in Seattle. Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images
Field Yates, NFL Insider: Saquon Barkley, RB, New York Giants. It’s hard for me to look past a player who is primed for the possibility of handling 250-plus total touches right away. We’ve seen rookie running backs make an immediate impact in recent seasons, and Barkley has a decidedly clear avenue to doing the same for the G-Men.
Which team declined the most this offseason?
Yates: Buffalo Bills. Note an important caveat: There is a long-term building process that was followed and not in any way compromised this offseason. The Bills performed exceptionally well in single-score games last season (6-2), which played an integral part in snapping their postseason drought. But it was clear they were not sold on Tyrod Taylor as the long-term quarterback solution, and they utilized their robust draft capital to select Josh Allen seventh overall. Factoring in the QB transition and offensive-line shuffle, Buffalo profiles as a regression team in the short term.
Seifert: Miami Dolphins. Their plan is difficult to discern. They’ve parted ways with most of their best players, from Ndamukong Suh to Jarvis Landry, and added a crew of aging veterans that includes tailback Frank Gore (35 when the season begins), receiver Danny Amendola (32) and guard Josh Sitton (32). Their faith in quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who is returning from ACL surgery, is risky at best. The Dolphins aren’t rebuilding in any functional way, but their roster is not ready to compete for a playoff spot, either. That’s a major step back.
Schatz: Buffalo Bills. The QB situation is a mess. Even if you’re a believer in Allen (I’m not), you have to admit he’s the kind of quarterback who will likely require a lot of work to transition. The offensive line is a mess, too, with Buffalo’s three best linemen gone via either trade or retirement. Football Outsiders’ free-agency analysis also shows edge rusher Trent Murphy as one of this year’s signings least likely to live up to the value of his three-year, $22.5 million contract.
Sando: Miami Dolphins. They subtracted Suh, Landry and Mike Pouncey. They appear to be a less talented team as a result.
Joyner: Seattle Seahawks. Mel Kiper gave them his lowest grade of the draft, and their free-agent additions were arguably the least inspiring in the league. Those might be enough to drop Seattle to the bottom of this list, but how in the world did the Seahawks do so little to upgrade the offensive line, which was arguably the worst in the league last season?
The Seahawks find themselves in a suddenly crowded NFC West with a depleted roster. Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images
Clay: Miami Dolphins. It was hard not to think of the Chip Kelly-era Eagles when watching the Dolphins chase “culture” while moving on from talented players such as Jay Ajayi, Suh, Pouncey, Landry and Michael Thomas over the past several months. Miami is weak or below average at most positions and is suddenly a candidate for the first overall pick in next April’s draft.
Bowen: Seattle Seahawks. The “Legion of Boom” used to dictate the flow of the game. Play three-deep coverage, challenge routes and physically control the middle of the field. No free passes there. However, with Sherman now in San Francisco, Chancellor facing an uncertain future and a front-four pass rush that must be retooled, the Seahawks have crucial roles to fill on the defensive side of the ball in a division that features quarterbacks Jared Goff and Jimmy Garoppolo.
Which team improved the most this offseason?
Bowen: Los Angeles Rams. The arrow is pointing up for the Bears and Browns after productive offseasons, but I’m looking at the Rams due to the proven, veteran talent they brought in via trades and free agency. Cornerbacks Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib have the playmaking skills to find the ball in the secondary. Go get it. Defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh bolsters the interior of the front line next to All-Pro Aaron Donald. Wide receiver Brandin Cooks is an upgrade for the passing game. Strong, aggressive moves put this squad in position to win the NFC West and make a serious playoff run.
Clay: Cleveland Browns. They had the league’s worst quarterback play in 2017 but solidified it by acquiring Tyrod Taylor and first overall pick Baker Mayfield. Joe Thomas and Danny Shelton are gone, but Cleveland stocked up with talent: E.J. Gaines, TJ Carrie, Carlos Hyde, Jarvis Landry, Chris Hubbard and Damarious Randall as well as early-round rookies Denzel Ward, Austin Corbett and Nick Chubb. This is a team on the rise.
Graziano: Chicago Bears. The problem is that because of the strength of their division, I don’t know that the improvement will necessarily show in the standings. The Bears spent big in free agency, which isn’t always the best way to go, but they’ve improved their wide receiver corps and kept their secondary intact with that spending. I believe their top three draft picks — Roquan Smith, James Daniels and Anthony Miller — are guys who can help them right away at positions of significant need.
Tyrod Taylor represents a big upgrade for the Browns at quarterback. Joshua Gunter/The Plain Dealer via AP
Seifert: New York Jets. Stay with me for a moment. There is no doubt that the Browns have raised their talent level more from 2017 to 2018. But they also had the furthest to go. The Jets’ drafting of quarterback Sam Darnold establishes a long-term focus for what was already a decently talented roster. For the first time in six years, the Jets know whom they’re building around. Don’t underestimate the value in that, even if Darnold doesn’t make a huge impact in 2018.
Yates: Cleveland Browns. From a talent-added standpoint relative to where the team was last season, Cleveland takes the cake. That, of course, includes the fact that this team was historically bad in 2017, becoming just the second to go 0-16. The Browns have cultivated a short- and long-term plan at quarterback and talent across the offense, and they reshaped the secondary.
